International Law: Environment

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Environment - International Law / How can I get help?

Episode 211020/ 20 Oct 2021

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Transcript

Note: This is a transcript of a spoken conversation and is not a word-for-word script.

SianGenerally, if someone harms you, the law will hold them liable for their actions.

But who would you take to court over storms, floods and droughts? In this episode, we'll show the ways in which the law is helping us all deal with this increasing problem.

The

Peruvian farmer taking on a German energy giant over pollution...

And how the world around us might get a whole load more legal protection...

Humans have been polluting the world for a long time. So, how can you take action about something like climate change? Who would you blame? It's not any one person, company, country, or government's fault... or is it?

This is Sa l Luciano Lliuya.

He's a Peruvian farmer and mountain guide, and for years he has watched a glacier, in nearby Huaraz, melt. It's due to climate change.

So, he decided to do something and chose to sue a German energy company, RWE. He's asking for around 17,000 to help him cope with climate change.

It's a number based on the share of manmade emissions he claims RWE is responsible for. RWE say there's no direct link between them and the melting glaciers.

His hope is that his case would make it easier for thousands or even millions of others like him to do the same to protect their homes.