Pakistani Farmers Plan to Sue German Firms Over Climate Damage

Pakistani Farmers Plan to Sue German Firms Over Climate Damage
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A group of 43 Pakistani farmers from the Sindh region has initiated legal action against two of Germany’s largest industrial emitters, RWE and Heidelberg Materials, over losses caused by the 2022 floods, The Guardian reported. Lawyers representing the group sent formal letters to the companies on Tuesday, warning of an impending lawsuit if no compensation or acknowledgment of responsibility is made by December.

The farmers, whose land was submerged for months during the record-breaking floods, claim to have lost multiple harvests and estimate damages of about €1 million. Pakistan was among the countries hardest hit by extreme weather that year, with flooding affecting one-third of the nation, displacing 33 million people, and causing economic losses of up to $30 billion.

RWE and Heidelberg are responsible for roughly 0.68% and 0.12% of global industrial greenhouse gas emissions since 1965, respectively, according to the Climate Accountability Institute. Both companies confirmed receipt of the legal notices and said they are reviewing the claims. The case adds to a growing wave of cross-border climate litigation targeting major emitters. Legal experts say such cases could set significant precedents, advancing the “polluter pays” principle as affected communities seek redress for climate-related destruction.