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Zug Court Hears Indonesian Islanders’ Climate Case Against Holcim, Decision on Admissibility Pending

The proceeding will determine if Swiss civil courts can hear claims over climate damage suffered abroad.

Overview

  • The cantonal court in Zug held a roughly three-hour hearing and has not yet said whether it will take up the case.
  • The four plaintiffs from Pari island seek about €3,850 each, funding for protective measures such as wave breakers, and court-ordered emission cuts.
  • The claim asks Holcim to reduce its greenhouse gases by 43% by 2030 and 69% by 2040 in addition to compensating for losses.
  • Holcim argues lawmakers, not civil courts, should set emission limits, says it has cut direct CO2 more than 50% since 2015, and reiterates a 2050 net‑zero goal.
  • The suit is described as the first targeting a major cement producer and the first climate damage case brought against a Swiss company, with Pari residents citing worsening flooding and lost livelihoods.