Peruvian farmer takes German energy giant RWE to court in landmark climate case

FILE PHOTO: Saul Luciano Lliuya, who is pursuing a lawsuit against German energy utility RWE, whose emissions he says have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, swelling a lake above his hometown to dangerous levels, is pictured in his home, in Huaraz, Peru March 2, 2025. REUTERS/Angela Ponce/File Photo

HAMM, Germany (Reuters) - A German court on Monday resumes hearing a landmark case brought by a Peruvian farmer who argues that the German energy giant RWE's emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home.

The case could set a precedent for future climate litigation by holding companies accountable for past emissions and requiring them to help fund climate adaptation for affected communities.