Swiss Court Admits Climate Lawsuit by Indonesian Islanders Against Holcim

A Swiss court has agreed to admit a landmark climate lawsuit filed by residents of an Indonesian island against cement giant Holcim, marking a first for such litigation in Switzerland. The cantonal court in Zug said it would examine the complaint, which alleges that Holcim’s carbon emissions contribute to global warming and rising sea levels that have repeatedly flooded Pulau Pari, a low-lying island in Indonesia. The case was filed in January 2023 by four island residents, though the court noted the decision could still be overturned during appeal proceedings.

Holcim has said it plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that decisions on carbon emissions should be made by lawmakers rather than civil courts. The company reiterated its commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and said it has already cut its direct CO₂ emissions by more than 50% since 2015. However, NGOs backing the plaintiffs said Holcim was chosen because it is one of the world’s major carbon emitters and a leading “carbon major” in Switzerland.

Supporters of the case, including Swiss Church Aid, said the ruling represents the first time a Swiss court has admitted climate litigation against a large corporation. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for climate-related damage, financial support for flood protection measures, and faster reductions in emissions. With cement production responsible for around 7% of global CO₂ emissions, the case is being closely watched as a potential precedent for corporate climate accountability.

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