Sindh Farmers Target German Companies With €1 Million Legal Action

A group of farmers from Sindh has launched legal action seeking about €1 million in damages from two major German corporations, arguing that their operations have contributed to climate change that devastated Pakistan’s farmlands. The action demands financial compensation and acknowledgment of responsibility for climate-related destruction following the 2022 floods. Geo News, citing a report by The Guardian, said lawyers representing 43 growers have issued legal notices to energy company RWE and cement producer Heidelberg. The farmers say their fields remained underwater for more than a year after the record monsoon rains that submerged a third of Pakistan, displacing millions and wiping out at least two crop cycles in southern Sindh. They argue that while Pakistan has contributed little to global emissions, its rural communities are paying the price. New research cited by The Guardian links RWE to 0.68 percent of global industrial emissions since 1965 and Heidelberg to 0.12 percent. The farmers argue these companies should help pay for climate-driven destruction. Claimant Abdul Hafeez Khoso said their communities are losing homes and livelihoods while wealthy corporations profit. Heidelberg has acknowledged receiving the notice and is reviewing it, while RWE said it needs more information. The action is part of a growing wave of cross-border climate cases in Europe and the UK. Lawyers say they will file a formal case by year-end if no compensation deal is reached.