Peruvian farmer’s lawsuit could reshape corporate climate responsibility

A landmark lawsuit in Germany, brought by Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya against energy giant RWE, could set a precedent for holding major polluters financially responsible for climate change-related damages.

Steven Grattan reports for The Associated Press.

In short:

Lliuya argues RWE's greenhouse gas emissions have accelerated glacial melt in Peru, increasing the risk of catastrophic flooding in his hometown.
The case, one of the first of its kind to reach trial, could establish legal grounds for fossil fuel companies to be held liable for climate-related damages.
RWE denies responsibility, stating climate change is a global issue and should be addressed through policy, not lawsuits.

Key quote:

"While this is just one case focused on this one place in Peru, the wider implications are huge. The costs and damages from climate change could run to tens of trillions of dollars a year, and if fossil fuel companies at large are found to be responsible for those and need to pay those costs, it would completely change the finances and outlook for the entire fossil fuel industry."

— Murray Worthy, Zero Carbon Analytics

Why this matters:

The lawsuit against German energy giant RWE, brought by Peruvian farmer Saúl Luciano Lliuya, is being closely watched as a potential landmark case in climate litigation. If courts rule against RWE, it could set a precedent that allows similar lawsuits worldwide, holding fossil fuel companies accountable for their historical greenhouse gas emissions. A ruling in Lliuya’s favor could have far-reaching consequences — not just for energy companies, but also for financial markets, as investors assess the risks of potential legal liabilities tied to carbon emissions. Beyond the courtroom, the case underscores the increasing pressure on corporations to address their climate impact, as communities around the world face worsening droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather.

apnews.com

Credit: Getty Images / Unsplash+

Climate change is accelerating health threats worldwide

The Lancet Countdown - established in 2016 to annually assess the effects of climate change on health - released a ten year report and accompanying editorial.

In short:

For the first time, the report quantifies heat-related deaths attributable to climate change, estimated at about 370,000 a year. The past 11 years have been the hottest ever recorded.
The report examined 54 indicators of climate change-driven health impacts and found that many health threats had increased or accelerated over the past decade.
Populations least responsible for climate change are experiencing the highest impacts.

Key quote:

“Over the past 10 years, a strong evidence-based case has been made that responding to climate change could be the greatest health opportunity of the 21st century.”

Why this matters:

The report points out how fossil fuel interests are blocking progress on climate change. It tracks not only heat-related deaths, as mentioned above, but also other climate related effects on health caused by floods, landslides, droughts, viruses, and more. It also tracks improvements, for example, estimating that the transition to clean energy prevented 400,000 deaths in 2023 just through improved indoor air quality. Health professionals are trusted sources of information and can speak for policy change and action for a healthier future.

Related EHN coverage:

More resources: The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change

Source:

Romanello, Marina et al. (2026), The 2026 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: a decade of escalating health harms and a decisive moment for all. The Lancet.

Related editorial, Climate change and health: 10 years on, what next? The Lancet.

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