The Machiavelli Award 2021 has been awarded to Gerrit Hiemstra, NOS weatherman and meteorologist, took place at Press Center Nieuwspoort. Wilco Boom, political reporter for NPO Radio 1, introduced the foundation and the prize.
Explanation of jury decision
The full jury report is available here. After the event.
Hiemstra receives the award because “he makes climate change and its consequences understandable to a wide audience in an appealing way. With boundless energy, he brings the causes and consequences of climate change into the limelight. He explains, he explains and he contradicts, where necessary. All in understandable language, with science as the basis.”
“Unintentionally, Hiemstra has become the figurehead of the climate movement. In plain language he crosses swords with climate skeptics from home and abroad. With great patience he answers people who respond to his messages. Calm but also passionate, Hiemstra continues to explain what the problem is and what the causes are. In understandable language, he remains approachable and reaches a wide audience.”
The Machiavelli Prize was then presented by Marja Wagenaar, chair of the Machiavelli Foundation. Watch the award ceremony back below ⬇️
