- Pakistani farmers filed a lawsuit against RWE and Heidelberg Materials for 2022 flood damages.
- RWE argues that German companies shouldn't be liable for global climate damage.
- Similar lawsuits against other companies have been dismissed by German courts.
- RWE plans to be climate neutral by 2040, phasing out lignite by 2030.
Background
Several Pakistani farmers have initiated legal action against RWE and Heidelberg Materials at the Heidelberg Regional Court. The lawsuit is supported by the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), an NGO.
Claims
The plaintiffs seek damages for the severe flooding in Pakistan during the summer of 2022. They allege that RWE, as a major energy producer in Germany, has significantly contributed to climate change through CO2 emissions, intensifying such extreme weather events.
RWE's Position
RWE argues that holding German companies civilly liable for global climate damage undermines Germany's industrial stability and legal certainty. The company maintains that it has always operated within the bounds of applicable law.
Legal Context
RWE views the lawsuit as an attempt to shift climate policy demands to German courts. Similar lawsuits against companies like Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW have been dismissed by German courts, as no injunction can be justified against individual emitters complying with public legislation.
Future Outlook
RWE's strategy aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement, aiming to decarbonize its operations according to the 1.5-degree reduction path. The company has reduced its CO2 emissions by more than half since 2018 and plans to phase out lignite by 2030, achieving climate neutrality by 2040.
