Google illegally cleared 400,000 trees in Finland / Work on two data centers suspended

Google illegally cleared approximately 400,000 trees in two areas of Finland to build data centers included in a €13 billion artificial intelligence infrastructure project. Finnish authorities ordered the temporary suspension of the work after the company failed to complete the mandatory environmental impact assessments.

In Muhos, in the north of the country, approximately 250,000 trees were cut down across 330 hectares. In Otanmäki, another site located about 100 kilometers away, environmentalists estimate that a further 150,000 trees were felled. The land was cleared of its topsoil as well, and brown water from the construction sites is flowing into waterways connected to the Oulujoki River.

The Finnish permitting and supervisory authority ordered the work to stop at the beginning of the month. Google’s country director for Finland apologized, saying the company had acted based on its interpretation of the legislation.

Finland has become an important destination for data centers due to its cold climate, stability, and availability of land. The investment is supported by the government but has triggered protests and a national debate over energy consumption, environmental protection, and the impact on local communities. More than 93,000 people have signed a petition calling for stricter rules and a compensation fee.