Four Indonesians file climate litigation against Holcim

Aid agencies and environment groups, including Friends of the Earth Indonesia (WALHI), are supporting climate litigation against Swiss cement company Holcim, initiated by four residents on the island of Pari, on behalf of the entire island. The campaign is known as the Call for Climate Justice. The residents fear that their existence is under threat, and so are demanding compensation for climate damages suffered, a financial contribution to floodprotection measures, as well as the rapid reduction of Holcim’s CO2 emissions.

The Swiss company must answer for its role in contributing to climate change in court. In a new analysis on Holcim’s climate strategy, the company is shown to be doing too little to reduce its emissions; and its actions come too late.

In July 2022 the four residents of Pari filed an application for conciliation in Zug, Switzerland, the location of Holcim’s headquarters. During conciliation proceedings, Holcim made no indication that it was willing to address their concerns. Therefore, on 30 January 2023, the four complainants filed a complaint against the corporation.

The submission of the complaint heralds the first formal civil proceedings in Switzerland against a corporation for its contribution to climate change. Read more: foe.org.au/cr145a

UK oil workers demand just energy transition

The UK coalition of offshore oil and gas workers, climate groups and trade unions are backing a new plan to deliver a fair transition away from fossil fuels, protect jobs, communities and climate. In the face of political inaction, workers are ready to lead. ‘Our Power: Offshore oil and gas workers’ demand for a just energy transition’ is an oil industry first, putting workers front and centre in a plan for decarbonisation and public ownership. The list of 10 demands are:

1. A government-backed jobs guarantee

2. An offshore training passport that supports workers to retrain in the renewables sector

3. Investment in ports and renewables manufacturing hubs in the UK, creating and retaining local jobs

4. Full access to union representation and collective negotiation of pay, health and safety regulations and benefits

5. Equal pay for migrant workers and a higher minimum wage for all

6. Trusted grievance and whistleblowing policies and protection from blacklisting

7. Public ownership for public good

8. A permanent ‘Energy Excess Profits Tax’ and a sovereign wealth fund

9. Polluting companies to pay for the decommissioning of oil rigs

10. Investing wealth in communities and supporting growth in new industries

Read more: foe.org.au/cr145b