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Google faces investigation over forest clearing in Finland
Finnish authorities have ordered Google to suspend preparatory work for data center expansions in Muhos and near Otanmäki after the company allegedly cleared approximately 400,000 trees without completing mandatory environmental impact assessments. The clearing involved roughly 330 hectares near Muhos and 200 hectares near Otanmäki.
Local residents report that the destruction of the forest has displaced wildlife, causing wolves to enter nearby villages. The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority stated that the activities, which included removing trees and topsoil, could significantly alter the environment before required assessments were finalized.
Further investigations have revealed that Google’s subsidiary, Tuike Finland Oy, previously deforested 1.3 hectares of protected forest between 2018 and 2019 to expand facilities in Hamina, impacting Siberian flying squirrel habitats. Reports indicate that relevant documentation regarding that incident was classified as confidential in 2020 at the company's request. Finnish authorities are currently considering enforcement proceedings and fines regarding the recent activities.
Entities
Alphabet Inc. · Finland · Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority · Google · Muhos · Otanmäki · Tuike Finland Oy
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The clearing in Muhos occurred before completing mandatory environmental impact assessments. apokalypsnu.com · www.caitlinjohnst.one · caitlinjohnstone.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] 150,000 trees were felled near the village of Otanmäki. apokalypsnu.com · www.caitlinjohnst.one · caitlinjohnstone.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] 250,000 trees were cleared in Muhos, northern Finland. apokalypsnu.com · www.caitlinjohnst.one · caitlinjohnstone.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority ordered Google to suspend measures that significantly change the environment. apokalypsnu.com · www.caitlinjohnst.one · caitlinjohnstone.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Google felled approximately 400,000 trees in Finland for a data center project. apokalypsnu.com · www.caitlinjohnst.one · caitlinjohnstone.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority will consider enforcement proceedings and fines if Google does not comply. apokalypsnu.com · www.caitlinjohnst.one · caitlinjohnstone.com.au