Peruvian farmer loses major climate lawsuit against RWE in Germany

A much-discussed climate lawsuit has ended in disappointment for the Peruvian farmer who initiated the case. The farmer had sued the German energy giant RWE to be compensated for climate measures he and his village in the Andes must take to address flooding risks caused by a melting glacier.

Farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya argued that RWE should cover part of the $3.5 million he claims is needed. His reasoning was based on scientific findings that RWE is responsible for 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions since the industrial revolution. These emissions contribute to climate change, and thus the company should pay 0.5% of the costs, amounting to around €17,500.

A lower court initially dismissed the case, but in 2017, the appeal was allowed to proceed. The farmer's legal team hoped the court would rule partially in his favor, but the court in Hamm, Germany, rejected his claim and closed the case. No further appeal is possible.