Google Accused of Illegally Clearing Forest for Finnish Data Centers

Google cleared over 300 hectares of forest in northern Finland for two new data centers before completing required environmental assessments. The Finnish Nature Conservation Association is demanding a halt to the work, citing risks to bird species and ecological corridors.

• Over 300 hectares cleared, equal to nearly 500 football fields
• Tree felling began before environmental assessments concluded
• Conservationists demand suspension pending review
• Google calls it its largest European investment at $15 billion