Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Swiss Court Admits Climate Case Against Holcim
Some people from a small island in Indonesia called Pari are suing a big Swiss company called Holcim.
Their island keeps flooding because the sea is rising due to global warming.
They say Holcim, which makes cement, is not doing enough to reduce its carbon emissions.
A court in Switzerland has agreed to hear their case.
Holcim says it is working to reduce emissions and plans to be carbon neutral by 2050.
This is the first time a big company has been sued in Switzerland for climate-related issues.
The court's decision is important because it could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
A Swiss court has admitted a legal complaint against Holcim for allegedly not doing enough to cut carbon emissions.
The plaintiffs are four residents of the Indonesian island of Pari, which has been repeatedly flooded due to rising sea levels.
The case marks the first time a court in Switzerland has admitted climate litigation against a large corporation.
Holcim has committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and has reduced its direct CO2 emissions by over 50% since 2015.
The plaintiffs seek compensation for climate damage, financial participation in flood protection measures, and a rapid reduction in CO2 emissions.
- Who
- Four residents of the Indonesian island of Pari and Swiss cement maker Holcim
- What
- A legal complaint alleging Holcim is not doing enough to cut carbon emissions
- When
- The case was admitted on December 22, 2023, with the complaint submitted in January 2023
- Where
- Cantonal court in Zug, Switzerland
- Why
- The plaintiffs seek compensation for climate damage and rapid reduction in CO2 emissions
- Plaintiffs
- Four residents of the Indonesian island of Pari
- Defendant
- Holcim, a Swiss cement maker
- Court
- Cantonal court in Zug, Switzerland
- Case Admission Date
- December 22, 2023
- Plaintiffs' Claims
- Compensation for climate damage, financial participation in flood protection, and rapid CO2 emission cuts
- Holcim's Commitment
- Net zero by 2050, 50% reduction in direct CO2 emissions since 2015
- Cement Industry Emissions
- About 7% of global CO2 emissions