A Peruvian farmer, Saul Luciano Lliuya, has taken German energy giant RWE to court, seeking compensation for flood risks caused by melting Andean glaciers. This landmark climate case, now being heard in Hamm, Germany, could set a precedent for holding companies accountable for their contributions to climate change.

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• Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya is suing RWE for $18,520 in flood defense costs.
• The case challenges RWE’s role in global emissions and glacier melting in Huaraz, Peru.
• Lliuya’s home faces a flood risk due to melting glaciers, with over 65,000 residents in danger.
• RWE is one of Europe’s largest polluters, responsible for nearly 0.5% of global emissions since the Industrial Revolution.
• Lliuya is requesting RWE to fund a $3.5 million flood defense project.
• The court must determine if glacier melt has increased flood risk to Lliuya’s home over the next 30 years.
• Experts found a 3% flood risk to Lliuya’s home in the next 30 years.
• RWE argues no single emitter should be held responsible for global warming, drawing parallels to holding every motorist liable.
• Legal experts see this case as a potential precedent for climate litigation worldwide.
• The case, which started in 2015, was delayed due to COVID-19 and has seen challenges from both sides.