Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is suing the German energy company RWE in a landmark climate case. He seeks compensation to help protect his hometown of Huaraz from threats posed by glacial melt. The case, which has spanned nearly a decade, could establish important precedents for corporate accountability regarding climate change.
A landmark climate lawsuit initiated by Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya against the German energy firm RWE resumes at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany. Lliuya, a 44-year-old Quechua-speaking farmer from Ancash, contends that RWE, as a major greenhouse gas emitter, should contribute to protecting his hometown of Huaraz from the risks posed by the melting glacier at Lake Palcacocha.
Lliuya’s case, which emerged following a 2013 study indicating RWE’s responsibility for 0.5% of climate change since the 1850s, seeks compensation to cover a share of protective measures, specifically a dike, estimated to cost around €17,000. Although RWE refutes liability, asserting climate change as a multifaceted global issue, the court hearings aim to establish the admissibility of evidence for the forthcoming trial.
The implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, as it raises significant questions regarding corporate responsibility concerning climate change. RWE, which emphasizes compliance with government emissions guidelines and targets carbon neutrality by 2040, faces scrutiny over its historical emissions contributions. Legal experts assert that Lliuya’s case could set a critical precedent for climate justice moving forward.
The case has garnered considerable media attention, particularly due to Lliuya’s background—a first-time traveler outside of Peru—drawing European expertise to investigate the conditions in Huaraz. In 2022, German judges visited the region, analyzing the flooding threat to the community while accompanied by international journalists and documentary teams, marking a significant moment of engagement with global climate justice advocacy.
Saul Luciano Lliuya’s case against RWE stands as a pivotal moment for climate justice and corporate accountability regarding historical greenhouse emissions. The hearings not only focus on the legal liabilities of a foreign corporation but also signal the potential for groundbreaking precedents in the realm of climate-related lawsuits. As this unique case unfolds in Germany, it draws international scrutiny and highlights the interconnectedness of global climate issues.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
