Indonesian citizens take cement company to court over climate damage
Feb 06 2023
2 minutes
Four residents of the small and threatened Indonesian island of Pulau Pari have filed a lawsuit against Swiss cement company Holcim. They are demanding compensation for the cement giant’s contribution to the climate crisis, which is making life on the island increasingly difficult. It is one of the first lawsuits based on climate damage.
The small island north of Jakarta is at risk of disappearing under rising sea levels. Last year alone, Pari was flooded five times. 11.11.11-partner Walhi has already supported the residents in recent years planting mangroves (a tree species that protects the coastline from flooding, for example) and diversifying their income. Together with the Swiss NGO HEKS, the complaint against Holcim was now also prepared.
“We want those responsible to take action”
Arif, Asmania, Bobby and Edi ask in their complaint that the cement company compensate the island for climate damage that has already been done, and that the company participates in financing flood protection measures. They also demand that Holcim drastically and quickly reduce their CO2 emissions.
A scientific study shows that the damage on Pari Island is indeed caused by global warming. With a place in the top 50 of the biggest CO2 polluters, Holcim therefore bears a significant responsibility for the climate crisis and for the situation on the island. “Our existence is under threat,” says Asmania. “We want those responsible to finally take action.”
The charges against Holcim are part of a global movement, but only the second climate lawsuit which is initiated by victims from climate-vulnerable countries. It is a powerful signal after years of pressure from civil society, which must contribute to the survival of millions of people threatened by the climate crisis.
Establishment of a climate damage fund
Financing after climate damage - also called 'damage and loss' or 'loss and damage' - was a main theme at this year's COP27 climate summit in Egypt. The principle? Wealthy industrialized countries and companies, as historically large CO2 emitters, contribute financially to recovery and reconstruction after climate-related disasters. After all, low-income countries bear the greatest consequences of the climate crisis, while being the least responsible for it.
At the climate summit, after lengthy negotiations, an agreement was reached for the establishment of such a fund for climate damage. It was a historic step in the fight against climate injustice and a victory for NGOs, civil society organisations and activists worldwide. However, we will continue to apply pressure, because the fight is not over yet. We will keep our finger on the pulse to ensure that this achievement is also effectively put into practice. Arif, Asmania, Bobby and Edi are not waiting for this to happen and are now pushing their demand.
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Together with WALHI we fight for climate justice for communities that see their living environment threatened. With you too?
