Lliuya vs RWE: Expert Hearings Underway in Landmark Climate Litigation Case
- Post by: Randy Muñoz
- May 5, 2025
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EClim member Christian Huggel had participated in the expert hearings at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany, for the Lliuya vs RWE case—widely regarded as a landmark in climate litigation.
Peruvian farmer Saúl Lliuya is suing German energy company RWE for contributing to climate change and thereby increasing the flood risk from a glacial lake above his hometown Huaraz, Peru. The case seeks to establish accountability for major historical emitters in causing local climate-related hazards.
Christian Huggel, with 25 years of experience working on high-mountain hazards in the Andes, criticized the expert report commissioned by the court for its scientific inaccuracies and lack of glacier risk expertise. Despite these concerns, Huggel emphasizes that the case has already reached important milestones:
- The court rejected RWE’s argument blaming everyday people for climate change.
- Scientific evidence of climate impacts in Huaraz was recognized.
- The case is setting global precedents for climate accountability.
The outcome of this case could help shape the future of climate justice.
🔗 Christian Huggel’s LinkedIn reflection here
📰 Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/peruvian-farmer-takes-german-energy-giant-rwe-court-landmark-climate-case-2025-03-16/