Finland orders Google to stop work on two AI data centers over alleged deforestation

Google subsidiary Tuike Finland Oy has just received a notice from the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Agency, or LVV, ordering it to stop construction on two data centers. According to CNBC, the sites in Muhos and Kajaani cannot proceed until environmental impact assessments have been completed, which have been under investigation for allegedly clearing over 740 acres of Finnish forest for the project.

“We understand the concerns and have fallen short of our own high standards in this instance,” a Google spokesperson told the publication. “We acted in good faith under the Forestry Act and ran nature surveys and put in place measures to protect high-value areas. As we continue our long-term work in the region, we are advancing our landscaping and biodiversity plans, which include tree planting across 130 hectares at Muhos.”

Finland is sometimes called the “Texas of Europe” when it comes to data centers because of its readily available supply of land and electricity, which have been …