Latest News

Swiss court considers climate case brought by Indonesian islanders against Holcim

On Wednesday, a Swiss court will decide whether or not to hear a lawsuit against Holcim, a Swiss cement giant and one of the largest in the world. The complaint alleges that the company does too little to reduce carbon emissions, contributing to global climate change.

Four residents from the Indonesian island Pari, which is repeatedly inundated as sea levels rise due to warmer temperatures, filed a legal complaint with the cantonal court of Zug in Switzerland in January 2023.

The court must declare its competence and admit the complaint before proceeding. Next, the court will consider the merits of each case.

According to Swiss Church Aid, a non-profit organization that supports the case, if the case is successful, it would be the very first time a Swiss company has been sued for its role as causing global warming.

The NGOs that backed the complainants claimed they singled out Holcim as one of the biggest emitters of carbon dioxide in the world and the largest "carbon major" (as it is called) in Switzerland.

Holcim's spokesperson said the company was committed to climate action and that CO2 emissions have been reduced by more than half since 2015.

Ibu Asmania is a Pari mother of three who has lost her income due to the warming sea temperatures that have killed marine life.

"I am definitely concerned, because now the situation has worsened, after it was predicted by 2050 that Pari Island will be under water", she said during a trip to Aletsch Glacier, in Valais Switzerland, before the hearing.

Arif Pujianto is a worker on a Pari tourist beach. He described how coastal erosion and flooding affected his home and his workshop. Sea water was contaminating the water in his house.

The claimants are seeking compensation of 4,500 Swiss Francs (3,600 Swiss Francs) to repair their homes as well as to build stone walls to protect their island.

According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, Cement production accounts for about 7% global CO2 emissions.

Holcim's spokesperson stated that the company has "the broadest range of technologies for decarbonization in the industry", highlighting the use of low-emissions cement formulations, and the replacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy. Reporting by Denis Balibouse, Olivia Le Poidevin and Frances Kerry.

(source: Reuters)