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Swiss Court Accepts Indonesian Islanders’ Climate Suit Against Holcim

The Zug tribunal recognized a right to legal protection for residents facing rising seas, creating an early test of corporate climate liability.

Overview

  • The Zug cantonal court accepted for the first time in Switzerland a climate case against a multinational, declaring the Pari residents’ suit admissible.
  • Holcim said it will appeal the decision, arguing that setting CO2 limits is the prerogative of legislators rather than civil courts.
  • The tribunal rejected that position, stating judicial remedies can complement public policy and affirming the plaintiffs’ need for legal protection.
  • The four plaintiffs seek compensation, financing for flood‑protection measures, and rapid reductions in Holcim’s greenhouse‑gas emissions.
  • Pari Island reports increasingly severe saltwater floods and an 11% loss of land over eleven years, with experts warning most of its 42 hectares could be underwater by 2050.