A German court has dismissed a climate case brought by a Peruvian farmer against energy giant RWE, seeking damages for harm caused by melting glaciers. The case, which aimed to hold the company accountable for climate-related damages, was dismissed by judges. Judge Thomas Richter stated that the company was not directly responsible for the glacier melt, which is considered a global issue with complex scientific and environmental factors.
The farmer, who lives in a region heavily affected by glacier retreat, argued that RWE’s carbon emissions contributed to the melting. However, the court emphasized that proving a direct link between the company’s emissions and the specific damage to the farmer’s property was insufficient under current legal standards. Legal experts suggest that the ruling may set a precedent, making it harder for individuals to pursue similar cases against large corporations.
RWE has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental practices, particularly following a 2021 report indicating the company’s carbon emissions had exceeded its own targets. This case adds another layer to the ongoing debate about corporate accountability in climate change litigation. Environmental groups are now considering whether to appeal the decision, hoping to establish a legal pathway for affected individuals to seek redress.