Saul Luciano Lliuya is suing RWE for its historical role in climate change, seeking €17,000 to protect Huaraz from glacial flooding. The case, now in court, could set significant precedents for corporate responsibility in climate change. Lliuya’s efforts have highlighted the intersection of local impacts and global accountability, drawing international attention to climate justice issues.
Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is pursuing a lawsuit against German energy company RWE at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany. Lliuya claims RWE, as a major contributor to historical greenhouse gas emissions, should partially fund protective measures for his hometown of Huaraz, threatened by a glacial lake, Lake Palcacocha, likely to overflow due to climate change. The court hearings will establish the admissibility of evidence for the upcoming trial, which addresses RWE’s liability despite the company not operating in Peru.
Lliuya initiated this challenge after a study indicated RWE was responsible for 0.5% of global climate emissions since the 1850s. He is requesting that RWE cover 0.5% of the estimated €17,000 costs to safeguard Huaraz, particularly for a protective dike. Earlier attempts to bring a lawsuit were dismissed in 2015, but an appeal was accepted in 2017, leading to the present hearings after pandemic delays.
The case represents a pivotal moment in defining corporate accountability regarding climate change. RWE argues compliance with emissions guidelines and its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, yet its significant historical emissions raise questions about responsibility for environmental impact. Legal expert Andrea Tang noted the unprecedented nature of the case, suggesting it could set important precedents for future climate justice efforts.
Lliuya’s pursuit of justice has garnered international attention, with his first journey abroad for the court case leading German judges to visit the affected region in 2022. This meeting brought media coverage, emphasizing the potential dangers facing Huaraz. While Lliuya has successfully initiated legal proceedings, the outcome remains uncertain as the scientific arguments continue to unfold in court.
Saul Luciano Lliuya’s landmark case against RWE challenges corporate accountability for climate change by seeking compensation for environmental damage in Peru. The case is notable for its potential to establish legal precedents related to climate justice, despite RWE’s historical emissions and claims of compliance with regulations. This courtroom battle underscores the increasing global recognition of climate-related lawsuits as mechanisms for addressing environmental impacts.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
