News on the RWE Case

Pressemitteilung

Climate Litigation Press Release | 30.11.2017

Historic breakthrough with global impact in "climate lawsuit"

The decision announced today by the Higher Regional Court Hamm (Germany) to enter into the evidentiary stage in the case of Saúl Luciano Lliuya against the german utility RWE is of great legal relevance. It is the first time that a court acknowledged that a private company is in principal responsible for its share in causing climate damages. This applies if concrete damages or risks for private persons or their property can partly be assigned to the activities of the relevant company.

Huaraz FAQ

Report | 23.11.2017

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS regarding the CASE OF HUARAZ

On this page you can find the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about the case of Huaraz.

Pressemitteilung

Climate Litigation Press Release | 13.11.2017

Higher Regional Court Hamm: Large emitters can be held legally responsible for climate change impacts

The 5th civil chamber of the Higher District Court Hamm (Germany) wrote legal history today. It gave a clear statement that large emitters like RWE are liable for supporting people in poorer countries affected by climate change. The climate-suit of Saul Luciano Lliuya will therefore enter into the next phase. On 30th November, the court is expected to formally announce its decision to enter into the evidentiary phase. At that point, it will be necessary to provide sufficient evidence in this specific case to prove that RWE must provide a financial contribution as Luciano Lliuya has demanded. The court's argument is of great significance for many people who suffer from climate change impacts.

Justitia

Report | 07.11.2017

Workshop on Climate Litigation in the margins of COP23

How can we seek Climate Justice? How can we enforce rights and responsabilities? Find out, get involved.

Pressemitteilung

Climate Litigation Press Release | 03.11.2017

Germany: Higher District Court Hamm hears "Climate Suit" against RWE

On November 13th (Monday) the fifth Civil Senate of the Oberlandesgericht (Higher District Court) of Hamm (Germany) will conduct an oral hearing in the appeal of the Peruvian farmer and mountain guide Saúl Luciano Lliuya. In this climate justice lawsuit, the core question is whether the energy corporation RWE may be held partially responsible for protective measures against climate change in the high Andes in Peru. There, the city of Huaraz is threatened by a flood wave from a glacial lake that has increased in volume as a result of climate change. The Landgericht (District Court) Essen rejected the civil law suit that is – so far - unique in Europe. The question is now whether the higher court will enter into the evidentiary phase which would establish a ground-breaking precedence.