- Title: Peruvian farmer takes German energy giant RWE to court in landmark climate case
- Date: 17th March 2025
- Summary: HAMM, GERMANY (MARCH 17, 2025) (REUTERS) ***WARNING: CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** VARIOUS OF LLIUYA ENTERING COURT BUILDING, FOLLOWED BY HIS LAWYER, RODA VERHEYEN, A JUDGE AT HAMBURG’S CONSTITUTIONAL COURT PEOPLE WAITING TO ENTER COURTROOM, ONE HOLDING CRATE WITH BINDERS VARIOUS OF VERHEYEN AND LLIUYA STANDING IN COURT ATTORNEYS STANDING VERHEYEN IN DISCUSSION LLIUYA LOOK
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: Andes German court Hamm Peru Saul Luciano Lliuya climate change drone views farmer lawsuit melting glacier mountains
- Location: ANCASH, PERU / HAMM, GERMANY
- City: ANCASH, PERU / HAMM, GERMANY
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Europe,Judicial Process/Court Cases/Court Decisions
- Reuters ID: LVA003931517032025RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A Peruvian farmer who says German energy giant RWE's emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home, took his case to court on Monday (March 17) in a hearing that could set a precedent for climate litigation.
The case, which began a decade ago and is now being heard in Hamm in Germany, could deliver a landmark ruling if the court holds the company accountable for past emissions and requires it to help fund climate adaptation for affected communities.
Saul Luciano Lliuya, supported by the activist group Germanwatch, wants RWE to pay around 17,000 euros ($18,520) toward a $3.5 million flood defence project.
" ... because of the climate crisis in Huaraz, the mountains, the glaciers are melting ... I am here to ask for climate justice," Lliuya said ahead of the hearing as activists cheered in the background.
In the mountains above Huaraz, glacier meltwater running into Lake Palcacocha creates a threat for the town, which has a population of over 65,000 people, he says.
Lliuya, 44, whose family grows corn, wheat, barley and potatoes in a hilly region outside Huaraz, says he has chosen to sue RWE because it is one of the biggest polluters in Europe -- rather than any particular company projects near his home.
Using data from the Carbon Majors database of historic production from major fossil fuel and cement producers, Lliuya says RWE has caused nearly 0.5% of global manmade emissions since the industrial revolution, and should cover a proportional share of the costs of the global warming they have caused.
RWE, which is phasing out its coal-fired power plants, says a single emitter of carbon dioxide cannot be held responsible for global warming.
"If such a claim were to exist under German law, it would also be possible to hold every motorist liable," it said in a statement.
The court must first determine whether melting glaciers are raising the water levels in Lake Palcacocha, over 4,500 metres (15,000 feet) above sea level, and pose a direct risk to Lliuya's home in Huaraz over the next 30 years.
A packed courtroom listened as the hearing unfolded on Monday - outlining the case, presenting expert findings, and hearing Lliuya's lawyer challenge their conclusion of a 3% flood risk to his home over the next 30 years.
(Production: Stephane Nitschke, Petra Wischgoll, Michele Sani) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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