“Pakistani farmers to sue German polluters over climate-linked flood damage”, 28 October 2025

A group of Pakistani farmers whose livelihoods were devastated by floods three years ago has fired the starting shot in legal action against two of Germany’s most polluting companies.

Lawyers acting for 43 men and women from the Sindh region sent the energy firm RWE and the cement producer Heidelberg formal letters before action on Tuesday warning of their intention to sue later this year.

Pakistan was the nation most affected by extreme weather events in 2022, according to the global Climate Risk Index. That summer, extreme rains flooded one-third of the country, killing at least 1,700 people, displacing 33 million people, destroying vast tracts of farmland and causing economic losses of up to $30bn…

During this time the claimants saw their entire land flooded, and lost at least two rice and wheat harvests. They estimate the total damage at €1m, for which they want an acknowledgment of liability and some degree of compensation from the two companies. If they do not get this, they plan to go to court in December.

RWE and Heidelberg Materials are two of Germany’s most polluting companies…

An RWE spokesperson said: “As we have no further information beyond that reported in the media, we are unable to comment at this time.” A Heidelberg spokesperson said: “We confirm that we have today received a letter from a law firm requesting compensation for alleged climate-related damage. We are currently reviewing this letter.”