Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is suing German energy giant RWE for climate damages impacting his hometown. He seeks 17,000 euros for flood defenses against a glacier lake’s overflow. His case has been admitted to a German court following initial dismissals, and its outcome could set significant precedents for climate justice litigation.
Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is preparing for a significant legal battle against German energy company RWE concerning climate change impacts on his hometown, Huaraz. He believes that RWE, being one of the primary global emitters of carbon dioxide, should contribute financially to flood protection measures in his community due to a swollen glacier lake at risk of overflow. Lliuya is due to attend a court hearing from March 17-19 in Hamm, Germany, with expectations of a fair legal process that emphasizes climate accountability.
Lliuya is seeking approximately 17,000 euros (about $18,400) from RWE to help fund flood defenses, specifically for constructing a protective dike. His claims are backed by a 2013 study that indicated RWE’s contribution to global emissions at roughly 0.5 percent since the beginning of industrialization. Initially, a lower court dismissed his lawsuit in 2016, but an appeal was accepted by a higher court in Hamm in 2017, allowing the case to progress.
German experts and judges evaluated the environmental conditions surrounding Lake Palcacocha in 2022, providing critical evidence for the upcoming hearings. These hearings aim to determine whether the evidence collected can be admissible in court. The climate justice advocacy entity Germanwatch supports Lliuya, emphasizing that this case could establish a precedent for future climate-related legal actions worldwide, reinforcing the notion of corporate responsibility in environmental impact.
RWE, which has no operations in Peru, maintains its adherence to all relevant emissions regulations and aims for carbon neutrality by 2040. The company expressed confusion regarding why it is specifically being targeted in this legal case, despite its compliance with government emissions guidelines.
Saul Luciano Lliuya’s case against RWE highlights the growing importance of corporate accountability in climate change. His pursuit for funding to protect his community serves as a potential landmark for climate justice lawsuits, especially with the backing of experts and NGOs. The hearings set for March may influence future cases globally, addressing the responsibilities of major greenhouse gas emitters in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
