“Pakistani farmers take climate justice fight against RWE and Heidelberg Materials to German court,” 20 January 2026
On 22 December 2025, 39 farmers from the Sindh region in Pakistan took another step towards climate justice by filing a lawsuit at the German Regional Court in Heidelberg against two of Germany’s largest climate polluters, RWE and Heidelberg Materials. The farmers are seeking partial compensation for the devastating losses they suffered during the catastrophic floods that hit Pakistan in 2022 — floods that destroyed homes, land, and livelihoods across the country.
On 28 October 2025, the farmers formally notified both companies of their intention to seek compensation and invited them to enter into a dialogue and mediation process. After the companies refused to engage or take responsibility, the farmers proceeded to file their claim. The claim is now being pursued by 39 farmers.
Scientists found that human-induced climate change – to which RWE and Heidelberg Materials have contributed significantly through their emissions – has substantially increased both the likelihood and intensity of the 2022 extreme rainfall…
The case was filed in the District Court of Heidelberg on December 22, 2025. At the heart of the case lies a simple but powerful legal principle: those who cause harm must pay for it. The case relies on two causes of action: § 906 Civil Code (BGB), which is a nuisance-type provision, and tort (§ 823 Civil Code BGB)…
This case builds on the landmark Lliuya v. RWE verdict…
On 20 January 2026, RWE published a press statement on their website:
…”The lawsuit is yet another attempt to shift climate policy demands to German courtrooms. RWE considers the approach on the part of NGOs of asserting claims against German companies for climate damage anywhere in the world to be legally inadmissible. RWE has always operated its plants in accordance with applicable law.”…
The full statement can be found here.