Ruling of the OLG Hamm: A Milestone for Climate Lawsuits
The Higher Regional Court of Hamm issued a significant ruling on May 28, 2025, regarding the climate lawsuit of Peruvian mountain guide and small farmer Saúl Luciano Lliuya against energy giant RWE. Although the specific lawsuit was dismissed, the ruling is making waves worldwide as it recognizes the civil liability of large emitters for global climate damage.
The Decision in Detail
Saúl Luciano Lliuya had sued the German energy company RWE, believing its greenhouse gas emissions were partly responsible for putting his home at risk from glacier floods in Peru. However, the court rejected his appeal, determining that the risk was not assessed as sufficiently high. Nevertheless, this ruling by the OLG Hamm makes it clear that companies can generally be held liable for climate risks caused by their emissions, even if the damage occurs internationally.
Significance and Symbolic Impact
This ruling could open the floodgates for further lawsuits, particularly against companies whose business models heavily rely on fossil fuels. It underpins the legal basis for similar lawsuits in other countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, or the United States. Affected individuals worldwide could reference this landmark ruling.
Context and Consequences
Although no compensation was established in this specific case, the ruling signals an important step toward increased corporate accountability in the global fight against climate change. For investors, it is becoming increasingly crucial to consider companies’ climate strategies, as the recognition of civil liability risks can also carry economic implications.
Conclusion
- No compensation for Saúl Luciano Lliuya in this particular case.
- Important legal breakthrough: civil liability of emitters recognized.
- Beginning of a new chapter in addressing global climate risks.
This ruling could fundamentally change how companies handle climate risks in the future and shape both political and economic discourse.