Buglife and Essex Wildlife Trust have criticized Google’s plans for a data center at the Arena Essex site in Thurrock, warning that the development could damage wildlife habitat and further threaten endangered species. Google said the project would bring investment and jobs while delivering a 10% biodiversity net gain and preserving parts of the site for public open space and habitat.
Conservation concerns
Buglife program manager Jamie Robbins said the plan “makes a mockery” of Google’s sustainability claims.
“Today’s filing of this petition makes it clear to Google that its Thurrock data center plans are inappropriate and undesirable,” he said.
“In a natural and climate emergency where insects are in decline, we need to protect our precious wildlife habitat and we need strong companies to lead and make better decisions.”
Emily Buttress, from Essex Wildlife Trust, said: “The loss will be devastating for the local area.
“It would further fragment ecological networks and place already endangered wildlife under even greater threat.”
Google’s response
A Google spokesperson said: “Data centers are vital to the UK, providing the critical infrastructure needed to power the digital economy and online services used by people in every part of the UK.
“In order to deliver this vital infrastructure we share Essex Wildlife Trust and Buglife’s view that the development of the Arena Essex site must be sustainable.
“Our aim is to bring long-term investment and jobs to Thurrock and regenerate the site, while taking our environmental responsibilities seriously.
“We are working closely with Natural England and ecology experts to guarantee a 10% biodiversity net gain.
“Our proposals also ensure that a significant portion of the site is preserved for new public open space, green links, conserved habitat and long-term enhancement of key forest corridors.”
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Source: www.bbc.co.uk
