Google’s plans to expand and build data centers in Finland have become a source of controversy after forest was cleared across 530 hectares without authorization, according to the report. The work involved cutting down around 250,000 trees before an environmental impact assessment and a land-use plan had been completed.
The images of the cleared sites, with exposed peat and muddy water, have circulated widely in Finnish media. The scale of the clearing has raised concerns as more than 140 data center projects have been announced in the country, which has a population of 6 million.
On September 9, Google announced a total investment of €13 billion in Finland. The plans cover data center construction and expansion in four municipalities, as well as renovation of the Loviisa nuclear power plant to extend its operation by 20 years. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo welcomed the investment, citing the jobs and tax revenue it was expected to generate.
The unauthorized felling has since embarrassed a government that supports data center development and prompted authorities to tighten legislation, according to the report.
Sources: Le Monde International.