A meteorologist from Wageningen
Reinier studied at what was then the Agricultural University in Wageningen (now Wageningen University & Research), specialising in air pollution with additional courses in meteorology. In 1986 he became the first official employee of Meteo Consult, the weather company his brother had founded together with three colleagues from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).
35 years of weather on RTL
In November 1989 Reinier first appeared as a weather presenter on RTL Veronique, later RTL 4. For more than 35 years he brought the weather forecast into millions of Dutch living rooms. Those decades in front of cameras and audiences shaped his distinctive style: knowledgeable, accessible and enthusiastic. He presented his final regular forecast in 2024.
From weather to climate and sustainability
The more Reinier learned about weather and climate, the more deeply he became involved in sustainability. In his view, climate change affects far more than temperature and rainfall: energy, resources, food, mobility, water, nature and the way we build are closely connected. In 2016 he founded SpeakOut, a speakers agency for sustainability experts.
Extreme weather up close
Reinier’s interest in extreme weather has taken him to the American Midwest, where he organises storm-chasing expeditions to experience tornadoes and supercells first-hand. These experiences add a personal and powerful dimension to his stories about the force of the atmosphere.
Sustainability in practice
Reinier does not just talk about sustainability – he lives it. In 2020 his climate-neutral, biobased home was completed. The building process gave him hands-on experience with insulation, energy use, materials and sustainable construction, knowledge he shares in his talks on biobased building.
Bladgoud and the value of trees
In his book Bladgoud (‘Gold Leaf’, 2020) Reinier describes the priceless value of trees and forests for climate, biodiversity, health and liveability. He has also written children’s books about weather and the environment.
Optimism as a starting point
Reinier approaches the sustainable transition with a positive conviction. The challenges are big, but so are the opportunities. Knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and cooperation can accelerate change. His motto sums it up: Yes we can.