London, 28 May 2025: The court ruling in Saúl Luciano Lliuya’s David vs Goliath case was announced today, delivering a historic verdict: major polluters can be held liable for climate change consequences under German law.

Peruvian farmer, Saul Luciano Lliuya, took on energy giant RWE, arguing its emissions contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, threatening his hometown.

Though the court found the specific flood risk didn't meet the legal threshold, the implications are huge.

The court was clear that: 

• Major emitters can be held liable for climate change consequences under German law.

• Attribution science can be used to establish corporate liability for climate change.

Opportunity Green’s Legal Director, David Kay, says:

“This climate ruling in the case against energy giant RWE marks a legal breakthrough for communities all around the world that face devastation from climate change caused by big corporate emitters. Whilst Saúl Luciano Lliuya’s David v Goliath battle wasn’t successful, the legal principle is clear: major emitters can be held liable for climate change consequences. The hard work and dedication from Saúl and his legal team over many years has helped set an important precedent for climate justice cases. The court has opened the door, and the fight for corporate accountability has taken a major leap forward.”