Google illegally cleared approximately 250,000 trees across 816 acres in Northern Finland to make way for a data center, The Guardian reported Thursday. The operation occurred before full approval, violating Finnish law which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment prior to large-scale land clearing. Finnish officials suspended development at two sites in outrage, citing extensive preparatory measures already taken, including tree removal and topsoil stripping.
The destruction forced wolves from their natural habitat into the nearby village of Otanmäki, 50 miles away, infuriating residents. Locals reported wolves entering the village as wild animals fled the barren landscape. Resident Anni Ranta described the situation, stating wolves came into the village because all wild animals moved out of the forest.
The noise from the hard rock soil was compared to a drum by residents. Angry residents called out Google, asking for reprieve and help repaying losses from previous tech expansions. The tree removal also turned water sources brown, polluting streams that feed the Oulujoki River.
Google's Finnish top chief Antti Järvinen claimed the company believed it had legislative approval, an explanation blasted as "pure arrogance" by officials. The sites are part of Google's $15 billion investment for AI infrastructure in the Nordic country.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing