A Peruvian farmer who says German energy giant RWE's emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home, took his case to court on Monday in a hearing that could set a precedent for climate litigation.

Peruvian farmer Luciano Lliuya arrives at the Higher Regional Court in Hamm, Germany, for a first hearing of his climate damages case against the German energy company RWE for its carbon emissions, which may have been contributing to the melting of a nearby glacier that could flood his home, Monday, March 17, 2025.

In western Germany, a case against the energy company RWE could set a worldwide precedent for corporate responsibility and climate damages. What exactly is at stake?