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Peruvian Farmer Challenges German Energy Giant RWE in Landmark Climate Case

Saúl Luciano Lliuya argues that RWE's historical emissions have contributed to glacial melt threatening his Andean village with catastrophic flooding.

FILE - Tourists walk in front of the Tuco glacier in Huascaran National Park during a tour called the "Route of climate change" in Huaraz, Peru, Aug. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia, File)
The plaintiff Peruvian farmer Luciano Lliuya stands in front of glacier pictures held by activists at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany, for a first hearing of his climate damages case against the German energy company RWE for its carbon emissions, which may have been contributing to the melting of a nearby glacier that could flood his home, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Climate activists protest in front of the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany, for a first hearing of a climate damages case of plaintiff Peruvian farmer Luciano Lliuya against the German energy company RWE for its carbon emissions, which may have been contributing to the melting of a nearby glacier that could flood his home, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Peruvian farmer Luciano Lliuya arrives with lawyer Roda Verheyen at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany, for a first hearing of his climate damages case against the German energy company RWE for its carbon emissions, which may have been contributing to the melting of a nearby glacier that could flood his home, Monday, March 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Overview

  • Saúl Luciano Lliuya, a farmer from Huaraz, Peru, is suing RWE, claiming the company's emissions contributed to glacial melt that endangers his home and community.
  • The lawsuit seeks 17,000–21,000 euros from RWE to cover a proportional share of a $3.5 million flood defense project for Lake Palcacocha, which has swelled dangerously due to climate change.
  • RWE denies responsibility, arguing that global warming is a collective issue and that holding individual emitters accountable sets a problematic legal precedent.
  • The case, which began in 2015 and gained traction after a 2017 appeal, could establish a precedent for holding corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change.
  • Expert reports and studies presented to the court link glacial melting in the Andes to man-made climate change, with hearings this week focusing on the risk to Lliuya's property and RWE's potential liability.