Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is suing German energy firm RWE for climate justice, arguing it should contribute to flood defenses in his hometown affected by climate change. He seeks 17,000 euros for measures against a glacier lake threatening to overflow. The case seeks accountability for corporate carbon emissions and raises important questions about environmental responsibility.
A Peruvian farmer, Saul Luciano Lliuya, is seeking “climate justice” from the German energy company RWE, which he claims is partly responsible for the environmental crisis affecting his hometown of Huaraz. He demands 17,000 euros ($18,400) to help fund flood defenses against a glacier lake that threatens to overflow due to climate change. Lliuya argues that RWE’s fossil fuel usage contributes to the risks faced by the local population of over 50,000.
Lliuya’s legal battle began in 2015 but was dismissed by a lower court in Essen the following year. It was only in 2017 that the Hamm court permitted an appeal, with hearings now being scheduled. The recent proceedings aim to assess whether Lliuya’s property is at significant risk of flooding by analyzing evidence from experts who visited the area last year. Depending on the outcome, further hearings will determine RWE’s liability.
The farmer’s claim is supported by a 2014 study, attributing 0.47 percent of global carbon emissions since the industrial era to RWE. As RWE has historically contributed to climate change, Lliuya seeks a fair contribution towards the estimated 3.5 million euros necessary to address the flood risk of Lake Palcacocha. RWE has stated it did not operate in Peru and opposes being held accountable under German law for external environmental impacts.
Christoph Bals from Germanwatch highlights that the Huaraz farmers feel they bear the brunt of climate change without having contributed to it. A legal precedent in favor of Lliuya could have profound implications for future environmental accountability, especially amidst ongoing climate-related lawsuits worldwide. RWE’s legal representation has expressed concern regarding the broader ramifications of such a ruling, which could potentially reshape liability considerations in environmental law.
In conclusion, Saul Luciano Lliuya’s lawsuit against RWE exemplifies the complex intersection between local environmental impacts and corporate responsibility for climate change. With increased attention to accountability in climate-related cases, the outcome of this legal battle may pave the way for future claims, particularly as communities seek justice for the adverse effects of industrial emissions. As the hearings unfold, the implications for international environmental law and corporate accountability remain significant.
Original Source: www.france24.com
