Ola Løkken Nordrum
@olaln.bsky.social
🌱 Fighting for a fairer, greener and healthier planet for all!
🌍 Climate and Sustainability Fellow
🩺 Roaming Anaesthesiology Trainee
🔥 #BanFossilAds
💭 #ReimagineDublin
✍️ https://substack.com/@olanordrum
🌍 Climate and Sustainability Fellow
🩺 Roaming Anaesthesiology Trainee
🔥 #BanFossilAds
💭 #ReimagineDublin
✍️ https://substack.com/@olanordrum
Pinned
Ola Løkken Nordrum
@olaln.bsky.social
· Sep 14
Opinion: We should aim to be the first generation to experience more nature, not less
Our relationship with nature is broken but fixing it could be the key to happier, healthier lives, writes Dr Ola Løkken Nordrum.
www.thejournal.ie
Let’s be the first generation in Ireland to experience more, wilder and healthier nature, not less.
The benefits would be endless!
My piece in the Journal this week.
The benefits would be endless!
My piece in the Journal this week.
The contrast to Ireland couldn't be starker. Never mind how schools close during cold / icy conditions.
This is Metsokangas elementary school in the far suburbs of Oulu . It was -31°C in the morning (-40° windchill). What you see here is just 1 of the 4 parking lots for students. It's not about the cold, it's the safe infrastructure & excellent maintenance. No rocket science.
#MeanwhileInOulu #Oulu
1/
#MeanwhileInOulu #Oulu
1/
January 6, 2026 at 10:14 AM
The contrast to Ireland couldn't be starker. Never mind how schools close during cold / icy conditions.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
Poignant letter by Dr Lisa McNamee in the Irish Times this morning.
January 5, 2026 at 2:25 PM
Poignant letter by Dr Lisa McNamee in the Irish Times this morning.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
The Minister for Climate and Environment actively working to increase emissions and worsen environmental harm.
Senior civil servants resist plan to scrap Dublin Airport passenger cap, Minister says
Darragh O’Brien calls for planning decisions on national infrastructure to be taken out of local hands
www.irishtimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:28 PM
The Minister for Climate and Environment actively working to increase emissions and worsen environmental harm.
“No stone will be left unturned” ... except enforcing existing road traffic laws, red-light cameras, lower urban speed limits, a proper system for reporting dangerous driving, and a proper RSA reform, to name but a few...
Minister of State with Responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney has said "no stone will be left unturned" in terms of legislation in a bid to tackle road deaths.
'No stone will be left unturned' over road safety laws
Minister of State with Responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney has said "no stone will be left unturned" in terms of legislation in a bid to tackle road deaths.
www.rte.ie
January 4, 2026 at 9:48 PM
“No stone will be left unturned” ... except enforcing existing road traffic laws, red-light cameras, lower urban speed limits, a proper system for reporting dangerous driving, and a proper RSA reform, to name but a few...
Congestion pricing anyone?
The politics of space.
See the description I made below the video on You-Tube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Ot...
@irishcycle.com @dublincycling.bsky.social @dublininquirer.com @donnacooney1.bsky.social @olaln.bsky.social
See the description I made below the video on You-Tube.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1Ot...
@irishcycle.com @dublincycling.bsky.social @dublininquirer.com @donnacooney1.bsky.social @olaln.bsky.social
The politics of space.
YouTube video by Citizen Wolf
www.youtube.com
January 3, 2026 at 10:27 AM
Congestion pricing anyone?
Mannix Flynn has been a Dublin City Councillor for 15+ years and is now upset about people being injured on footpaths.
At what point does “complaining” turn into “doing the job”?
At what point does “complaining” turn into “doing the job”?
Dublin footpaths cost €18m in injury payouts - more than most councils spend on all claims
The city’s footpaths have been described as a ‘disaster’ by public representatives, who say Dublin City Council must act to fix footpath dangers.
www.thejournal.ie
January 3, 2026 at 10:23 AM
Mannix Flynn has been a Dublin City Councillor for 15+ years and is now upset about people being injured on footpaths.
At what point does “complaining” turn into “doing the job”?
At what point does “complaining” turn into “doing the job”?
Not sure what to think of this video.
Yes, it gives a damning account of Ireland’s ecosystems, but I’m not convinced it captures the extent of the ongoing mismanagement.
And to be clear: Ireland’s lack of vast forests today isn’t because of the English, it’s down to Irish mismanagement.
Yes, it gives a damning account of Ireland’s ecosystems, but I’m not convinced it captures the extent of the ongoing mismanagement.
And to be clear: Ireland’s lack of vast forests today isn’t because of the English, it’s down to Irish mismanagement.
Ireland's Invisible Rainforest
YouTube video by Aidin Robbins
www.youtube.com
December 30, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Not sure what to think of this video.
Yes, it gives a damning account of Ireland’s ecosystems, but I’m not convinced it captures the extent of the ongoing mismanagement.
And to be clear: Ireland’s lack of vast forests today isn’t because of the English, it’s down to Irish mismanagement.
Yes, it gives a damning account of Ireland’s ecosystems, but I’m not convinced it captures the extent of the ongoing mismanagement.
And to be clear: Ireland’s lack of vast forests today isn’t because of the English, it’s down to Irish mismanagement.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
In other words, policy and planning working exactly as intended.
This is not an accident. This is what happens when you prioritise cars above all else, paired with urban sprawl, while ignoring active and public transport infrastructure for decades.
This is not an accident. This is what happens when you prioritise cars above all else, paired with urban sprawl, while ignoring active and public transport infrastructure for decades.
Dublin Buses averaged just 13.5km/h during morning rush hour in October
Westmoreland Street is the busiest stop and E1 the busiest route.
www.thejournal.ie
December 29, 2025 at 9:41 PM
In other words, policy and planning working exactly as intended.
This is not an accident. This is what happens when you prioritise cars above all else, paired with urban sprawl, while ignoring active and public transport infrastructure for decades.
This is not an accident. This is what happens when you prioritise cars above all else, paired with urban sprawl, while ignoring active and public transport infrastructure for decades.
My average speed cycling to and from work is ~18km/h.
The reason it's not faster: Cars and terrible (or completely absent) active travel infrastructure.
Bikes are the future of transport.
The reason it's not faster: Cars and terrible (or completely absent) active travel infrastructure.
Bikes are the future of transport.
Dublin Buses averaged just 13.5km/h during morning rush hour in October
Westmoreland Street is the busiest stop and E1 the busiest route.
www.thejournal.ie
December 29, 2025 at 9:43 PM
My average speed cycling to and from work is ~18km/h.
The reason it's not faster: Cars and terrible (or completely absent) active travel infrastructure.
Bikes are the future of transport.
The reason it's not faster: Cars and terrible (or completely absent) active travel infrastructure.
Bikes are the future of transport.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
The government are failing to take tangible climate action and adapt to the worsening effects of climate breakdown.
We're in real trouble.
We're in real trouble.
Climate watchdog highly critical of plans to protect Ireland against extreme weather
Climate Change Advisory Council says Government’s proposals lack detail and clear lines of responsibility
www.irishtimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 8:48 AM
The government are failing to take tangible climate action and adapt to the worsening effects of climate breakdown.
We're in real trouble.
We're in real trouble.
Earlier this year, I wrote this piece on our broken relationship with nature.
Almost all of Ireland’s natural habitats are in poor condition after a further decline over the last few years.
We have to change our ways!
Almost all of Ireland’s natural habitats are in poor condition after a further decline over the last few years.
We have to change our ways!
Opinion: We should aim to be the first generation to experience more nature, not less
Our relationship with nature is broken but fixing it could be the key to happier, healthier lives, writes Dr Ola Løkken Nordrum.
www.thejournal.ie
December 28, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Earlier this year, I wrote this piece on our broken relationship with nature.
Almost all of Ireland’s natural habitats are in poor condition after a further decline over the last few years.
We have to change our ways!
Almost all of Ireland’s natural habitats are in poor condition after a further decline over the last few years.
We have to change our ways!
Cities around the world are banning fossil fuel advertising.
Why can't Dublin? Or more accurately, why won't Dublin?
#ReimagineDublin #BanFossilAds
Why can't Dublin? Or more accurately, why won't Dublin?
#ReimagineDublin #BanFossilAds
Many cities are banning ads for airlines, SUVs and fossil fuels – and yours could be next
Billboard ads for airlines, SUVs and fossil fuel companies are now prohibited in cities like Edinburgh, Sheffield, Stockholm and Toronto.
theconversation.com
December 28, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Cities around the world are banning fossil fuel advertising.
Why can't Dublin? Or more accurately, why won't Dublin?
#ReimagineDublin #BanFossilAds
Why can't Dublin? Or more accurately, why won't Dublin?
#ReimagineDublin #BanFossilAds
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
This is #Switzerland ‘s mainline. Once you connect with it, from branch lines, you’re all set—cross-country trains are fast and frequent, with almost urban subway frequencies. (That said, there’s great train and transit service in the rest of the country, too.)
December 27, 2025 at 7:58 PM
This is #Switzerland ‘s mainline. Once you connect with it, from branch lines, you’re all set—cross-country trains are fast and frequent, with almost urban subway frequencies. (That said, there’s great train and transit service in the rest of the country, too.)
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
Interviewer: Is this bike lane safe?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you let your kids ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you still implement it in our city?
Applicant: Yes
Interviewer: Welcome to the Transportation Department
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you let your kids ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you still implement it in our city?
Applicant: Yes
Interviewer: Welcome to the Transportation Department
December 27, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Interviewer: Is this bike lane safe?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you let your kids ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you still implement it in our city?
Applicant: Yes
Interviewer: Welcome to the Transportation Department
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you let your kids ride in it?
Applicant: No
Interviewer: Would you still implement it in our city?
Applicant: Yes
Interviewer: Welcome to the Transportation Department
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
We've written a letter in the Irish Times today calling for an emergency response to Ireland's congestion.
Congestion is a threat to public health and should be treated as such.
Congestion is a threat to public health and should be treated as such.
Letters to the Editor, December 27th: On congested cities, Trump’s world and electronic tagging
Reversing this shift and prioritising public and active transport must be an immediate focus
www.irishtimes.com
December 27, 2025 at 8:53 AM
We've written a letter in the Irish Times today calling for an emergency response to Ireland's congestion.
Congestion is a threat to public health and should be treated as such.
Congestion is a threat to public health and should be treated as such.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
"The commission concluded that the proposal would have no unacceptable impacts on the environment."
Our efforts to destroy the planet as much as possible continue.
Our efforts to destroy the planet as much as possible continue.
December 27, 2025 at 8:46 AM
"The commission concluded that the proposal would have no unacceptable impacts on the environment."
Our efforts to destroy the planet as much as possible continue.
Our efforts to destroy the planet as much as possible continue.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
Ola is a dear friend and colleague who writes as a vehicle for justice and truth.
In just a few months he has written so many excellent pieces highlighting Ireland's systemic negligence of our environment and health - something not discussed often in mainstream media.
An absolute must-read! 🌍🌱
In just a few months he has written so many excellent pieces highlighting Ireland's systemic negligence of our environment and health - something not discussed often in mainstream media.
An absolute must-read! 🌍🌱
This year I started a Substack. It’s been a place to think out loud, explore topics in depth, criticise what needs criticising, and dream a little too. I’m still getting to grips with it, but I’ve already written nearly twenty pieces.
A short thread pulling together what I explored this year ⬇️
A short thread pulling together what I explored this year ⬇️
Ola Løkken Nordrum | Substack
Click to read Ola Løkken Nordrum, a Substack publication. Launched 5 months ago.
olanordrum.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Ola is a dear friend and colleague who writes as a vehicle for justice and truth.
In just a few months he has written so many excellent pieces highlighting Ireland's systemic negligence of our environment and health - something not discussed often in mainstream media.
An absolute must-read! 🌍🌱
In just a few months he has written so many excellent pieces highlighting Ireland's systemic negligence of our environment and health - something not discussed often in mainstream media.
An absolute must-read! 🌍🌱
This year I started a Substack. It’s been a place to think out loud, explore topics in depth, criticise what needs criticising, and dream a little too. I’m still getting to grips with it, but I’ve already written nearly twenty pieces.
A short thread pulling together what I explored this year ⬇️
A short thread pulling together what I explored this year ⬇️
Ola Løkken Nordrum | Substack
Click to read Ola Løkken Nordrum, a Substack publication. Launched 5 months ago.
olanordrum.substack.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:29 AM
This year I started a Substack. It’s been a place to think out loud, explore topics in depth, criticise what needs criticising, and dream a little too. I’m still getting to grips with it, but I’ve already written nearly twenty pieces.
A short thread pulling together what I explored this year ⬇️
A short thread pulling together what I explored this year ⬇️
Dublin is not passively 'stuck in a jam'. The congestion we're seeing is an active political choice. In many ways, it's policy working exactly as intended.
The Irish Times view on congestion: Dublin remains stuck in a jam
The Irish Times view on congestion: Dublin remains stuck in a jam
The increase in journey volumes has been relentless, reflecting growth in the economy and in Dublin’s population
www.irishtimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Dublin is not passively 'stuck in a jam'. The congestion we're seeing is an active political choice. In many ways, it's policy working exactly as intended.
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
Yes! Spending time in forests and nature is associated with almost endless positive health effects.
We must recognise that in Ireland start treating these places are crucial to our health, not just profit.
We must recognise that in Ireland start treating these places are crucial to our health, not just profit.
A reminder that 90% of Ireland's so-called 'forests' are industrial plantations, virtually empty of nature.
It doesn't have to be like this: with a bit of thought, we could satisfy our timber needs AND have huge tracts of natural forest ecosystems, bursting with life.
It doesn't have to be like this: with a bit of thought, we could satisfy our timber needs AND have huge tracts of natural forest ecosystems, bursting with life.
December 23, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Yes! Spending time in forests and nature is associated with almost endless positive health effects.
We must recognise that in Ireland start treating these places are crucial to our health, not just profit.
We must recognise that in Ireland start treating these places are crucial to our health, not just profit.
This is not an accident. Their policies and plans are working exactly as intended.
Dublin now 11th-most congested city in the world, says report
State’s transport infrastructure is ‘extremely vulnerable to any shock’, says academic
www.irishtimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:23 AM
This is not an accident. Their policies and plans are working exactly as intended.
Brilliant to see the winners of the HSE Climate and Sustainability Recognition Awards featured in the @hselive.bsky.social Health Matters.
Some inspirational people and projects! Upwards and forwards in 2026!!!
#SustainableHealthcare
Some inspirational people and projects! Upwards and forwards in 2026!!!
#SustainableHealthcare
December 22, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Brilliant to see the winners of the HSE Climate and Sustainability Recognition Awards featured in the @hselive.bsky.social Health Matters.
Some inspirational people and projects! Upwards and forwards in 2026!!!
#SustainableHealthcare
Some inspirational people and projects! Upwards and forwards in 2026!!!
#SustainableHealthcare
Reposted by Ola Løkken Nordrum
Dublin's and Ireland's waterways and #BlueSpaces could be enormous sources of health and wellbeing.
Instead, we (spearheaded by our government) continue to treat them as open sewages.
Instead, we (spearheaded by our government) continue to treat them as open sewages.
Happy Sunday ☀️
New Substack out on #BlueHealth and the role of urban #BlueSpaces.
Dublin’s waterways hold enormous potential to support health and wellbeing for all.
What’s missing? Political will, vision, and ambition.
New Substack out on #BlueHealth and the role of urban #BlueSpaces.
Dublin’s waterways hold enormous potential to support health and wellbeing for all.
What’s missing? Political will, vision, and ambition.
Why I swim in Oslo, but not in Dublin
Since coming back to Oslo for Christmas, I’ve done something I would never dare do in Dublin: go for a swim in the city centre.
open.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Dublin's and Ireland's waterways and #BlueSpaces could be enormous sources of health and wellbeing.
Instead, we (spearheaded by our government) continue to treat them as open sewages.
Instead, we (spearheaded by our government) continue to treat them as open sewages.
Happy Sunday ☀️
New Substack out on #BlueHealth and the role of urban #BlueSpaces.
Dublin’s waterways hold enormous potential to support health and wellbeing for all.
What’s missing? Political will, vision, and ambition.
New Substack out on #BlueHealth and the role of urban #BlueSpaces.
Dublin’s waterways hold enormous potential to support health and wellbeing for all.
What’s missing? Political will, vision, and ambition.
Why I swim in Oslo, but not in Dublin
Since coming back to Oslo for Christmas, I’ve done something I would never dare do in Dublin: go for a swim in the city centre.
open.substack.com
December 21, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Happy Sunday ☀️
New Substack out on #BlueHealth and the role of urban #BlueSpaces.
Dublin’s waterways hold enormous potential to support health and wellbeing for all.
What’s missing? Political will, vision, and ambition.
New Substack out on #BlueHealth and the role of urban #BlueSpaces.
Dublin’s waterways hold enormous potential to support health and wellbeing for all.
What’s missing? Political will, vision, and ambition.