A Swiss court is set to hear a climate case against cement giant Holcim after accepting a complaint by four residents of Indonesia’s low-lying island of Pari.
Residents say rising sea levels are swallowing their homes and accuse Holcim of failing to cut carbon emissions.
The cantonal court of Zug accepted the complaint in its entirety, marking the first time that a climate lawsuit will proceed against a corporation in Switzerland. According to Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)One of the NGOs helping the islanders.
The case is part of a global effort to hold big companies accountable for climate damage that threatens millions of people, especially in poor countries.
Climate change could sink the Angel by 2050
The case was brought in 2023 by four residents of the fairy island, Ibu Asmania, Pak Arif, Pak Idi and Pak Bobby, in the court of Zug, where Holcim is headquartered. Rising waters linked to climate change could submerge most islands by 2050. Pari is only 1.5 meters (5 ft) above sea level.
The plaintiffs, supported by international NGOs including Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER), the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights and the Indonesian Forum for the Living Environment (WALHI), say Holcim is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases. They are demanding rapid CO2 emissions cuts – 43% by 2030 and 69% by 2040 – as well as funding for damage compensation and flood protection.
Ibu Asmania said he and the other plaintiffs were “very pleased” with the court’s decision.
“This decision gives us strength to continue our fight,” he said. “This is good news for us and our families.”
Cement giant plans to appeal
Holcim, which has not operated a cement plant in Indonesia since 2019, plans to appeal the court’s decision to allow the case to proceed. The company has repeatedly stressed that it is committed to reaching net zero by 2050, but argues that lawmakers should decide how to meet those goals.
“Holcim believes that the court is not the appropriate forum to address the global challenge of climate change,” the company said.
According to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, cement production accounts for about 7% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Edited by: Darko Janjevic