In the high Andes of northern Peru, the city of Huaraz is set against the backdrop of the Cordillera Blanca mountains with glaciers glittering in the morning sun. However, this spectacular sight is overshadowed by concerns about the increasing risk of meltwater floods.
Amidst global climate change, a significant legal battle is unfolding in the region. Saul Luciano Lliuya, a local farmer and mountain guide, is taking legal action against the German energy company RWE. Lliuya claims that RWE's greenhouse gas emissions have accelerated glacier melting, exacerbating flood risks for Huaraz.
The case, starting at the Higher Regional Court of Hamm in Germany, involves Lliuya demanding financial contribution from RWE for flood defenses. He emphasizes setting a precedent for corporations to take responsibility for their environmental impact, with support from the environmental activist group Germanwatch.
While RWE disputes the lawsuit, arguing against individual accountability for global warming, concerns in Huaraz grow as Lake Palcacocha, fed by glacier meltwater, poses an escalating threat of flooding to the city's growing population. The case is not only about immediate flood risks but also the long-term implications on water supply as glaciers continue to retreat due to climate change.
In light of the impending court decision, Lliuya's lawyer, Roda Verheyen, reflects on the significance of the case as a platform to advocate for environmental accountability, regardless of the final ruling.