Swiss Court Accepts Climate Case from Indonesian Islanders Against Cement Giant Holcim

A court in Switzerland has taken a significant step by admitting a legal complaint against Holcim, a prominent Swiss cement manufacturer. The complaint alleges that Holcim is not doing enough to reduce its carbon emissions, thereby contributing to global warming.

The legal action was initiated in January 2023 by four residents from the low-lying Indonesian island of Pari, which has faced recurrent flooding due to rising sea levels linked to climate change. These residents are seeking justice in the cantonal court located in Zug, Switzerland.

While the court has accepted the case, it has also indicated that this decision could be reversed in future appeal proceedings if it finds that procedural requirements have not been met.

In response to the court’s decision, Holcim has announced its intention to appeal. The company argues that the issue of determining allowable CO2 emissions should be addressed by lawmakers rather than through civil litigation.

Supporting the residents of Pari is the non-profit organization Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER). They have stated that this case represents a groundbreaking moment, as it is the first instance of a court in Switzerland admitting climate litigation against a major corporation.

“We are very pleased. This decision gives us the strength to continue our fight,” expressed Ibu Asmania, one of the four residents involved in the case, in a statement from Swiss Church Aid. “This is good news for us and our families.”

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocating for the complainants have specifically targeted Holcim due to its status as one of the largest carbon dioxide emitters globally and a significant “carbon major” within Switzerland.

Holcim maintains that it is fully committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company claims to be following a rigorous, science-based approach to meet this ambitious goal. Furthermore, Holcim asserts that it has successfully reduced direct CO2 emissions from its operations by over 50% since 2015.

The plaintiffs are not only seeking compensation for the climate-related damages they have endured but are also calling for financial contributions toward flood protection measures and a swift reduction in CO2 emissions.

According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, cement production is responsible for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions, highlighting the significant impact of the industry on climate change.

(Reporting by Dave Graham and Denis Balibouse; editing by Chris Reese, Kirsten Donovan)

A court in Switzerland has taken a significant step by admitting a legal complaint against Holcim, a prominent Swiss cement manufacturer. The complaint alleges that Holcim is not doing enough to reduce its carbon emissions, thereby contributing to global warming.

The legal action was initiated in January 2023 by four residents from the low-lying Indonesian island of Pari, which has faced recurrent flooding due to rising sea levels linked to climate change. These residents are seeking justice in the cantonal court located in Zug, Switzerland.

While the court has accepted the case, it has also indicated that this decision could be reversed in future appeal proceedings if it finds that procedural requirements have not been met.

In response to the court’s decision, Holcim has announced its intention to appeal. The company argues that the issue of determining allowable CO2 emissions should be addressed by lawmakers rather than through civil litigation.

Supporting the residents of Pari is the non-profit organization Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER). They have stated that this case represents a groundbreaking moment, as it is the first instance of a court in Switzerland admitting climate litigation against a major corporation.

“We are very pleased. This decision gives us the strength to continue our fight,” expressed Ibu Asmania, one of the four residents involved in the case, in a statement from Swiss Church Aid. “This is good news for us and our families.”

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocating for the complainants have specifically targeted Holcim due to its status as one of the largest carbon dioxide emitters globally and a significant “carbon major” within Switzerland.

Holcim maintains that it is fully committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company claims to be following a rigorous, science-based approach to meet this ambitious goal. Furthermore, Holcim asserts that it has successfully reduced direct CO2 emissions from its operations by over 50% since 2015.

The plaintiffs are not only seeking compensation for the climate-related damages they have endured but are also calling for financial contributions toward flood protection measures and a swift reduction in CO2 emissions.

According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, cement production is responsible for approximately 7% of global CO2 emissions, highlighting the significant impact of the industry on climate change.

(Reporting by Dave Graham and Denis Balibouse; editing by Chris Reese, Kirsten Donovan)