Google Cut Down 1,300 Acres of Forest in Finland

The country manager of Google in Finland has apologized for unauthorized deforestation near Muhos, where 816 acres of forest have been turned into mud. The company has also been ordered to cease work on a site where about 500 acres have been cleared, 55 miles southeast of the village of Otanmäki. In total, according to Tom's Hardware, this amounts to approximately 1,300 acres.

The Guardian reports that wolves, which previously lived in these forests, have started entering nearby villages. "Wolves came to the village because all the wild animals left the forest," said Anni Ranta, 53, whose family has lived in Otanmäki for generations.

Local residents also complain about the noise from construction and the operation of the facility, the browning of streams, and the displacement of rare birds. A representative of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL) told The Guardian that Google's disregard for environmental policy was unprecedented and obvious.

The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV) agreed with this and issued an order to stop work near Muhos and Otanmäki. A Google representative responded optimistically: "We will fully comply with the LVV's requirements on this matter. We look forward to an active and open dialogue with all authorities to strengthen our partnership with Finland and local organizations."

The anger of local residents over the damage to Finnish forests does not subside: according to The Guardian, Google, in its rush to build data centers for artificial intelligence, seems to have neglected regulations. Similar complaints about the impact of such facilities—noise, water pollution, and animal displacement—have been heard in the US and other countries.

It is expected that the promised economic benefits from the data centers may influence the position of authorities and regulators.