Saul Luciano Lliuya is suing RWE, a German energy company, in a precedent-setting climate lawsuit in Germany. He claims that RWE’s greenhouse gas emissions are causing dangerous melting of glaciers near his hometown in Peru, threatening catastrophic flooding. RWE denies legal responsibility, arguing that climate change involves multiple factors. The case could redefine accountability for climate change impacts.
A significant climate lawsuit is being heard in Germany, where Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya is taking RWE, a major German energy firm, to court. Lliuya claims that RWE’s historical greenhouse gas emissions have exacerbated global warming, leading to the accelerated melting of glaciers near his hometown of Huaraz, Peru. This melting poses a risk to the community due to the swelling of Lake Palcacocha, which threatens catastrophic flooding for local residents.
The trial began recently at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, where Lliuya emphasized the urgent threat posed to over 50,000 people living near the lake. He voiced his concerns, stating, “the glaciers are melting, are disappearing bit by bit. Some lakes, lakes like Palcacocha — it’s a risk to me, to more than 50,000 people who live in the zone at risk.” Lliuya expressed his excitement about the trial, noting, “We have waited 10 years for this day, this decisive day.”
RWE argues that it should not be held legally responsible for climate change, citing its lack of operations in Peru and the complexity of climate issues as being shaped by multiple contributors. The company insists that climate change should instead be addressed through state and international policies, not through individual lawsuits. However, experts believe that the verdict could set a legal precedent for holding major polluters accountable.
Lead attorney Roda Verheyen expressed cautious optimism about the case, highlighting the urgency for action given the ongoing glacier melt. “There is no time to be lost, because the glaciers are melting every day,” she stated, noting that RWE remains one of Europe’s largest CO2 emitters. Verheyen termed this lawsuit a starting point for potential further actions against other polluters in the future.
The court’s consideration will include expert reports assessing the potential risks to Lliuya’s residence, with some judges having previously visited the affected areas in Peru. The verdict remains pending, but its implications could resonate through climate accountability efforts globally.
The lawsuit filed by Saul Luciano Lliuya against RWE exemplifies a critical moment in the pursuit of climate justice. This case could potentially establish a legal framework for holding companies accountable for climate-related damages. With increasing global awareness of climate change impacts, outcomes from this trial may influence future legal strategies against major polluters, emphasizing the need for corporate accountability on environmental issues.
Original Source: apnews.com
