Saul Luciano Lliuya, a Peruvian farmer, is suing German energy firm RWE, seeking financial support for flood defenses due to climate change. He bases his claim on RWE’s historical emissions and aims for a precedent in climate justice. Legal proceedings are set for March in Germany, with environmental NGO Germanwatch backing the case.
A Peruvian farmer, Saul Luciano Lliuya, is engaged in a significant legal struggle against the German energy corporation RWE. He asserts that the company, known for its substantial contributions to carbon dioxide emissions, bears responsibility for climate change impacts affecting his community in Huaraz, Peru. Lliuya seeks compensation of approximately 17,000 euros ($18,400) to aid in flood defense measures against a potentially dangerous glacier lake.
Lliuya, 44, expressed his confidence in the German legal system as he prepares to travel for a court hearing in Hamm scheduled from March 17 to 19. He has based his claim on a study indicating RWE’s contribution of about 0.5 percent to global emissions since industrialization began.
Earlier attempts to pursue this case encountered challenges; a court in Essen initially dismissed his suit in 2016. However, in 2017, a higher court accepted an appeal, leading to expert assessments at Lake Palcacocha in 2022. This month’s hearings will determine the admissibility of the gathered evidence.
The initiative receives backing from the environmental non-governmental organization Germanwatch, which emphasizes that this case marks a critical step in climate justice. Lawyer Andrea Tang stated, “never before has a case of climate justice reached an evidentiary stage,” suggesting that favorable outcomes could set important precedents for similar legal actions worldwide.
RWE has responded by highlighting its compliance with environmental regulations and its commitment to achieving CO2 neutrality by 2040. The company contends it does not understand why it faces this lawsuit, especially considering it has no operational presence in Peru.
In summary, Saul Luciano Lliuya’s case against RWE represents a pivotal legal battle linking corporate responsibility to climate change effects. His confidence in the German legal system, alongside support from organizations like Germanwatch, underscores the significant implications this case may have for climate justice precedent globally. As the hearings approach, the outcomes could influence future litigation involving environmental accountability.
Original Source: www.mdjonline.com
