Peruvian farmer takes German energy giant RWE to court over melting glaciers

Published

4 months ago

March 17, 2025

ourists walk in front of the Tuco glacier in Huascaran National Park. AP Photo/Martin Mejia, File

Alandmark climate case brought by a Peruvian farmer against energy giant RWE resumes today (17 March) at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany.

Saul Luciano Lliuya is a Quechua-speaking farmer and mountain guide from Peru’s Ancash region. The 44-year-old believes that RWE, as one of the world’s top historic greenhouse gas emitters, should share in the cost of protecting his hometown, Huaraz, from a swollen glacial lake at risk of overflowing due to melting snow and ice.

The hearings will determine what evidence will be permissible in the final trial, which will rule on whether RWE – which has never operated in Peru – can be held liable for damages.

RWE denies legal responsibility, arguing that climate change is a global issue caused by many contributors.

What is the case about?

Lliuya first challenged RWE after a 2013 Carbon Majors Study found the company responsible for 0.5 per cent of climate change since industrialisation began in the 1850s.

He is asking for the company to pay for about 0.5 per cent of the cost of protecting Huaraz from the imminent risk of flooding and overflow from Lake Palcacocha. That amount has been tallied at around €17,000.

“What I am asking is for the company to take responsibility for part of the construction costs, such as a dike in this case,” he told reporters in Lima in early March before departing for Germany.

In 2015, Lliuya filed a suit against the company that was later dismissed by a court in Essen. In 2017, a higher court in Hamm admitted an appeal.

Following pandemic-induced delays, the initial hearings are now taking place.

What does it mean for global corporations?

The case is ground-breaking in every way.

RWE insists it has always complied with government guidelines on greenhouse gasemissions and aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040. Yet its historical contribution to a warming planethas put it in the crosshairs, raising questions about corporate accountability for climate change and cross-border legal responsibilities.

“Never before has a case of climate justice reached an evidentiary stage,” Andrea Tang, a lawyer for Germanwatch, the environmental NGO supporting Lliuya, said in Lima.

She added that the case “would set a huge precedent for the future of climate justice.”

With more than 40 climate damages cases ongoing worldwide, according to not-for-profit research group Zero Carbon Analytics, Lliuya’s case has major precedent setting potential.

How a Peruvian farmer captured global headlines

Before the case even reached this stage, it had already commanded global attention.

For one, Lliuya had never left Peru before he decided to take RWE to court. His efforts also brought European experts to Peru.

Following diplomatic talks, judges from Germany visited Huaraz and Lake Palcacocha – about 4,500 metres above sea level in the Andes – in 2022. Surrounded by dozens of journalists and documentary film teams, they assessed the potential risk to the village.

While Lliuya has won the legal battle to have his case tried, it is yet to be seen if that visit also won the judges over to his side of the scientific argument.

“777 anniversary”: Police vows to crack down any planned cult related activity in Ogun

Published

33 minutes ago

July 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Ogun State Police Command has vowed to crack down on any illegal gatherings or processions that are organised in connection with the “777” cult anniversary celebration across the state.

The command stated that it has strengthened security operations throughout all divisions and area commands, warning that anyone found in possession of firearms will be prosecuted.

Ekwutosblog reports that the “777” date, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh month, has historically been linked to violent conflicts in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, in a statement issued on Sunday, advised parents and guardians to caution their wards to avoid loitering or forming clusters in public places.

Odutola, while reaffirming the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and public safety, noted that security operatives will not hesitate to disperse gatherings that raise suspicion or threaten public peace.

She said, “The Ogun State Command wishes to alert the general public, especially young persons, on intelligence reports regarding planned cult-related celebrations popularly called ‘777’ across the state.

“Any attempt to stage unlawful gatherings, processions, or anniversary events linked to cultism will be met with swift and decisive police action.

“Parents and guardians are advised to caution their wards. Young people are strongly urged to avoid loitering or forming clusters in public places.

“The command further warns that anyone found in possession of firearms will be prosecuted,” she added.

Man drags new wife to court in Kano over alleged theft of phones worth ₦65,000

Published

16 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A man identified as Usman Ali has taken his newlywed wife Maryam, before a Sharia Court sitting in Jaba, Kano State, accusing her of stealing three mobile phones valued at approximately ₦65,000.

During the court session, Maryam denied the allegations, stating that she had travelled from Abuja to Kano after enduring repeated beatings from her husband.

She told the court that she was forced to return to her parents’ home to seek refuge from the alleged abuse.

Usman also filed a complaint against three other women whom he identified as Maryam’s friends, accusing them of influencing his wife negatively and encouraging her to engage in inappropriate outings.

The presiding judge, Ustaz Rabiu Yahaya, granted Maryam bail and adjourned the case to July 15 for further hearing.

Seven dead, 41 injured in Bauchi highway crash

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

At least seven people have lost their lives in a fatal crash along the Alkaleri–Gombe Federal Highway, while 41 others sustained serious injuries.

The tragic incident was disclosed in an updated First Information Report, FIR, from the RS12.13 Alkaleri Unit Command of the Bauchi State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, made available to Ekwutosblog.

According to the report, the crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. at Kirfi Junction and involved a commercial DAF trailer. All seven deceased were adult males.

The lone crash was attributed to a mechanical fault, specifically, a structural failure in which the head of the trailer detached from its body while in motion.

A total of 48 people were involved in the incident, including 38 adult males and 10 male children. Of these, 41 sustained varying degrees of injuries, 25 adult males and 16 male children, while seven adult males died at the scene.

FRSC personnel were said to have responded to the distress call at 3:02 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 3:50 p.m., marking a 48-minute response time.

The injured were transported to the General Hospital in Alkaleri, with some later referred to the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi for advanced care. The remains of the deceased were deposited in the morgue before being handed over to their families for burial.

The rescue operation was led by DRC H.Y. Danjuma on behalf of the Unit Commander.

In the wake of the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, paid a condolence visit to Kirfi Local Government Area on Friday. During the visit, he announced a N50 million relief package for the victims and their families.

According to the governor, each bereaved family will receive N2 million, while those still receiving treatment in hospital will be given N1 million each. Victims who have been discharged will receive N500,000 each.

He added that additional support would be provided through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.

Governor Mohammed described the accident as deeply painful, especially given the loss of many young lives.

The governor condemned the practice of transporting over 200 people in a single truck, calling it highly irresponsible and unacceptable.