Satellite image analysis shows 329 hectares of forest cleared during development of factory in Germany

Satellite image analysis shows 329 hectares of forest cleared during development of factory in Germany

The development of a Tesla gigafactory near Berlin has resulted in about 500,000 trees being felled, according to satellite analysis.

The building of the German factory has been highly controversial and attracted significant protests, as well as prompting a debate about the trade-offs involved in developing a green economy.

Elon Musk, Tesla’s owner, has criticised local police for letting off “leftwing protesters”.

Satellite images show 329 hectares (813 acres) of forest were cut down at the site between March 2020 and May 2023, according to the environmental intelligence company Kayrros. That is equivalent to approximately 500,000 trees.

  • bstixEnglish
    101·
    3 months ago

    I hope he spends a lot of money on a gigafactory and then nobody applies for the jobs.

    He has still some outstanding issues with strikes in both Germany and Sweden. I’m sure Volvo appreciates their home market.

    This would be a good time for German unions to present an initiative.

    • Lupus@feddit.orgEnglish
      5·
      3 months ago

      This would be a good time for German unions to present an initiative.

      German workers protection and union laws are pretty solid, I wouldn’t worry about that too much.

      Several American ventures had a pretty rude awakening after challenging them. Ever wondered why we don’t have Walmart or Uber over here? Ubers activities are very limited in Germany because of worker protection laws and Walmart retreated from the German market over it, among other issues with German culture and law.

      • Miaou@jlai.luEnglish
        3·
        3 months ago

        You don’t have uber because of taxi lobbying against it I’d say. Or do you think lieferando drivers are well covered by those laws?

      • bstixEnglish
        3·
        3 months ago

        It used to be. German unions are currently challenged by gig jobbing and temporary contracts like no other place in EU. That’s why I think they need to show some teeth.