A Swiss court has agreed to hear a climate lawsuit against Holcim, marking a procedural first for climate litigation against a large corporation in Switzerland.
The cantonal court in Zug said on Monday that it had admitted a legal complaint filed by four residents of Pari Island, a low-lying island in Indonesia that has experienced repeated flooding as sea levels rise. The complaint was submitted in January 2023 and alleges that Holcim is failing to do enough to cut carbon emissions, thereby contributing to global warming.
The court cautioned that the decision to admit the case could still be overturned if subsequent appeal proceedings find that procedural requirements have not been met.
Holcim said it intends to appeal the ruling, arguing that decisions on “who is allowed to emit how much CO₂” should be made by lawmakers rather than civil courts. The company reiterated its commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and said it is pursuing a science-based pathway, adding that it has reduced direct CO₂ emissions from its operations by more than 50% since 2015.
The case is being supported by Swiss Church Aid, which said the ruling represents the first time a Swiss court has admitted climate litigation brought against a major corporation.
“We are very pleased. This decision gives us the strength to continue our fight,” said Ibu Asmania, one of the Pari residents pursuing the case, in a statement issued by the organisation. “This is good news for us and our families.”
Non-governmental organisations backing the plaintiffs said Holcim was selected because it is among the world’s largest carbon dioxide emitters and is considered a “carbon major” in Switzerland.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for climate-related damage they say they have suffered, financial contributions towards flood protection measures on Pari Island, and a rapid reduction in Holcim’s CO₂ emissions.
Cement production accounts for around 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Global Cement and Concrete Association, underscoring the sector’s significance in global climate mitigation efforts.
