Finland halts two Google data centre projects after illegal tree felling

Finnish authorities have halted work on two Google data centre projects after trees were felled and land cleared in breach of environmental laws, SVT reported.

The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation says 400,000 trees have been cut at the two locations. The projects are in Muhos and Kajaani.

Finland’s climate and environment minister, Sari Multala, called the case serious. She said it was exceptional for an authority to have to intervene to stop work, and that environmental impact assessments must be completed before significant, lasting changes begin.

Google’s communications chief for Finland and Norway, Sondre Ronander, said the company had acted in good faith based on the Forest Act. He also said Google would plant trees in Muhos.

Work on both data centres has been paused indefinitely.