Hearing in Swiss court over climate lawsuit: Indonesian island dwellers accuse cement corporation of climate damage - Hearing at Swiss Court: Indonesian islanders accuse cement companies over climate action
In a groundbreaking move, residents of the Indonesian island named Pari have filed a lawsuit against Holcim, a Swiss cement conglomerate, marking the first time a Swiss company is being sued for its alleged responsibility in climate damages.
The plaintiffs, who are seeking damages of around 3,850 euros each, argue that Holcim must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 and by 69% by 2040. The case, being heard in the Swiss court, is a significant step towards climate justice, involving Indonesian island residents and a major cement manufacturer.
Holcim, in response to the lawsuit, has stated that it is "fully committed to achieving net-zero by 2050, with sustainability at the heart of our strategy." The company has also emphasized that "the question of who can emit CO2" should be answered by law, not by a civil court.
The case against Holcim is part of a growing trend of climate lawsuits against corporations, particularly targeting large companies for the climate damages that are destroying livelihoods, especially in the global South. The lawsuit comes as a response to the impacts of climate change on the islanders' livelihoods.
For Asmania, an island resident, the consequences of climate change are stark. Flooding has brought dirt and oil into her fish farm, causing her income to become "zero." Of the 500 small fry she had at the beginning of the year, only nine remain. Moreover, she has lost her seaweed farm due to sea level rise.
The plaintiffs also demand protective measures such as the construction of wave breakers. The case is being supported by the Evangelical-Reformed Church of Switzerland's aid organization (Heks).
Holcim in Switzerland has already significantly reduced its CO₂ footprint and aims to further lower emissions by 2030. The company is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and producing climate-neutral, fully recyclable building materials by then.
This case represents a significant milestone in the fight for climate justice, with residents of an Indonesian island taking a Swiss cement conglomerate to court over climate damages. The outcome could set a precedent for future climate lawsuits against corporations.
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