Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is suing German energy firm RWE for contributing to climate change that threatens his hometown, Huaraz. The lawsuit argues RWE should help fund protective measures against a glacial lake overflow. This landmark case at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm highlights corporate accountability for climate issues and seeks to establish a precedent for future claims.
The case initiated by Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, against the German energy company RWE, resumes on March 17 at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany, after nearly a decade of proceedings. Lliuya alleges that RWE should contribute to the safety measures for his hometown of Huaraz, which faces threats from a glacial lake at risk of overflowing due to climate change. RWE, having no operations in Peru, refutes claims of liability, attributing climate change’s effects to multiple contributors worldwide.
Lliuya’s challenge commenced in 2013 following a Carbon Majors Study identifying RWE as responsible for 0.5 percent of global emissions since the 1850s. He is requesting that RWE fund approximately €17,000 for preventative infrastructure, like a dike, to protect Huaraz from potential flooding. After an initial dismissal of his suit in 2015, an appeal was admitted by a higher court in Hamm in 2017, and hearings have finally resumed after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The implications of this case extend beyond Lliuya’s personal plight. It raises crucial questions on corporate accountability for climate change, especially regarding RWE’s historical emissions. Despite RWE’s claims of adherence to government emissions guidelines and plans for carbon neutrality by 2040, the case could redefine obligations for corporations in environmental matters due to its unprecedented legal context. “Never before has a case of climate justice reached an evidentiary stage,” stated Andrea Tang, a lawyer for the environmental NGO Germanwatch, supporting Lliuya’s claims.
Furthermore, Lliuya’s determination has garnered significant international attention. Prior to this legal endeavor, he had never traveled outside Peru. His campaign prompted visits from German judges and environmental experts to assess the risk posed by Lake Palcacocha in 2022. Surrounded by global media, this visit underscored the case’s potential to influence future climate policies and corporate responsibilities worldwide.
The ongoing legal battle initiated by Saul Luciano Lliuya against RWE represents a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding climate justice and corporate accountability. This case could set significant precedents, potentially altering how corporations engage with climate-related issues globally. As the hearings proceed, the outcomes may shape the responsibilities of historic polluters toward vulnerable communities adversely affected by climate change.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
