Tesla Gigafactory in Germany Deforestation
- Satellite images reveal that Tesla cut down about 500,000 trees for their gigafactory near Berlin.
- Analysis shows 329 hectares of forest were cleared during the development phase.
- The deforestation has sparked concern and criticism from environmental activists.
Recent satellite analysis by environmental intelligence firm Kayrros has revealed that Tesla's Berlin Gigafactory has resulted in the felling of approximately half a million trees, covering 329 hectares (813 acres) of dense woodland between March 2020 and May 2023. This deforestation is estimated to have released around 13,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of 2,800 internal combustion cars. Despite Tesla's claims of using renewable energy at the factory, the environmental impact of its operations has drawn significant criticism. Since the factory's opening in 2022, environmental activists have protested against its expansion plans, which they argue threaten local ecosystems and drinking water sources. Activists have occupied tree houses and staged direct actions, including setting fire to an electricity pylon, which temporarily halted production. Karolina Drzewo from the campaign alliance Turn Off Tesla’s Tap emphasized the need to prevent further destruction of forests and protect local water areas. Tesla has defended its practices, asserting that it recycles nearly all industrial water and uses significantly less water per vehicle than the industry average. However, local water officials have raised concerns about the factory's wastewater, which reportedly contains phosphorus and nitrogen levels exceeding permitted limits. As Brandenburg's environment ministry approved plans to double production capacity to one million cars annually, the debate over the environmental trade-offs of electric vehicle production continues, with analysts urging a careful consideration of the impacts involved.