Landmark Climate Case: Indonesian Islanders Sue Holcim in Swiss Court

First-ever climate damage lawsuit against Swiss company begins in Zug cantonal court

Four Indonesian islanders have launched the first-ever climate damage lawsuit against a Swiss company in Zug.
The plaintiffs are residents of Pari Island, which is facing existential threats from rising sea levels and flooding.
Mediation attempts between the islanders and Holcim failed in July 2022, leading to this civil court action.
The relief organisation of the Swiss Protestant Reformed Church (Heks) is supporting the lawsuit.

0.42%

Share of historical industrial CO2 emissions

CHF 3,600

Compensation demand per person

50%

Reduction in CO2 emissions

2040

Target year

"In our opinion, who is allowed to emit how much CO2 is a competence of the legislator and not a question for a civil court."
— Holcim

"We want to save our island."
— Ibu Asmania and Arif Pujianto

Historic Showdown in Zug

Four Indonesian islanders have launched the first-ever climate damage lawsuit against a Swiss company in Zug.
The plaintiffs are residents of Pari Island, which is facing existential threats from rising sea levels and flooding.
Mediation attempts between the islanders and Holcim failed in July 2022, leading to this civil court action.
The relief organisation of the Swiss Protestant Reformed Church (Heks) is supporting the lawsuit.