Peruvian farmer challenges German Energy Giant RWE in historic climate court battle. Photo credit: Euronews
(The Post News)- A Peruvian farmer took his case to court on Monday in a hearing that could set a precedent for climate litigation. According to the farmer, German energy giant RWE’s emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home.
Saul Luciano Lliuya is supported by the activist group Germanwatch and wants RWE to pay around 21,000 Euros towards a flood defense project.
Lliuya says that in the mountains above Huaraz, glacier meltwater running into Lake Palcacocha has created a threat for the town, which has a population of over 65,000 people.
Lliuya’s family grows corn, wheat, barley, and potatoes in a hilly region outside Huaraz. Lliuya says the reason he chose to sue RWE is because it is one of the biggest polluters in Europe, instead of any particular company projects near his home.
The case is the culmination of a decade-old legal battle for Lliuya and is the first to be heard of nearly 50 similar climate civil claims in different nations around the world. This includes one brought by the city and county of Honolulu, Hawaii, against Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, and other oil giants.
It is possible that the verdict might not be binding on other jurisdictions. But the case does provide a legal template, with many other countries, including the United States, having similar property legislation.
RWE has never operated in Peru and has denied legal responsibility. It argues climate change is a global issue caused by many contributors. The company says should they be found liable, they argue, then even ordinary motorists could potentially be sued for their vehicles’ carbon footprint. According to the company, the climate crisis should be resolved by government policy, not in court.
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