Zurich: A Swiss court has agreed to hear a legal complaint accusing cement maker Holcim of failing to do enough to curb carbon emissions, a decision seen as a landmark moment for climate litigation in the country.
The case was brought by four residents of Pari, a low-lying Indonesian island that has faced repeated flooding as rising sea levels threaten coastal communities. The complaint was filed in January 2023 with the cantonal court in Zug, where Holcim is headquartered.
Swiss Church Aid, the non-profit organisation supporting the plaintiffs, said the court had decided to admit the case. Holcim confirmed the ruling and said it plans to appeal. The court itself was not immediately available for comment.
If it proceeds, the case would mark the first time a Swiss court has accepted a climate-related lawsuit against a major corporation, according to Swiss Church Aid. The plaintiffs argue that Holcim’s carbon emissions have contributed to climate damage affecting their homes and livelihoods.
The island of Pari, located off the coast of Indonesia, has been increasingly vulnerable to flooding as higher temperatures drive sea levels upward. The residents are seeking compensation for losses linked to climate impacts, financial support for flood protection measures, and a faster reduction in Holcim’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Holcim has said it remains committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and is pursuing what it describes as a science-based pathway to achieve that goal. The company has also pointed to progress already made, saying it has cut direct carbon dioxide emissions from its operations by more than half since 2015.
The case places fresh attention on the cement industry, one of the world’s most carbon-intensive sectors. Cement production is estimated to account for around seven percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, making it a central focus in efforts to slow climate change.
