Peruvian requests compensation for contribution to climate change by RWE

This report is part of our former “Harmful Cases” documentation, where we continuously and concisely recorded human rights violations, violations of international law or environmental destruction caused by companies.

It is a precedent case: A Peruvian requests compensation by RWE for its contribution to melting glaciers in the Andes. The energy company releases the majority of greenhouse gases in comparison with other European firms. In case of a success the costs-by-cause principle would be used for the first time to compensate harmful activities. (( http://germanwatch.org/de/10001 (accessed on 13.04.2015) ))

The applicant is Saúl Luciano Lliuya, who works as a tourist guide and farmer in the city of Huaraz. The glacial lake right above the city grew to daily threat. The volume of the lake quadrupled since 2003 and two glaciers could slip into the lake every day. A giant wave would be the consequence. The life of Saúl Luciano Lliuya and every single inhabitant of Huaraz are at acute risk.

The call for the state of emergency is already part of the everyday life. There is no early warning system. (( http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/mar/16/peruvian-farmer-demands-climate-compensation-from-german-company (accessed on 13.04.2015) ))

A German law office supports Lliuya to receive a compensation to establish protective measures. Parts of the protective measures are reinforced dams, controlled drainage and the installation of an early warning system. (( http://germanwatch.org/de/10036 (accessed on 13.04.2015) ))