'Pure arrogance': anger in Finland as Google illegally fells 250k trees

Google cleared about 330 hectares of forest near Muhos in northern Finland - roughly a 3km by 2km site about 400m from the Oulujoki River - felling an estimated 250,000 trees (and another estimated 150,000 at Otanmäki) to prepare land for a €13bn AI datacentre build. The company stripped even topsoil and, without completing required environmental impact assessments, was ordered by the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority to halt work at both sites. Drone footage and local tests show brown runoff entering streams, and environmental groups say illegally felled timber cannot be sold. Google’s Finland head apologised, saying the firm acted on its understanding of legislation, while the wider project includes plans for some 145 datacentres drawn by tech firms to exploit Finland’s cool climate, stable geology, abundant land and renewable power.

The clearances have provoked national anger and a petition of more than 93,000 signatures demanding tighter datacentre regulation and compensation for environmental harm. Conservationists call the operation “pure arrogance,” highlighting wildlife displacement, water pollution and loss of habitat for species such as three-toed woodpeckers; locals worry about noise, regional risk and scant national benefit, since datacentres bring limited jobs and little tax revenue. The episode exposed gaps in legislation and municipal oversight, prompted calls for a central coordinating authority, and is shaping political debate ahead of national elections.