ESG Enforcement Tracker

In December 2025, the Zug Cantonal Court in Switzerland issued an interim decision, declaring that a claim brought by four Indonesian Fishers against Swiss cement company, Holcim, was admissible.

The claimants, four residents of Pari Island, Indonesia, assert violations and damage caused by climate change, with increased flooding on the island of Pari due to rising sea levels. The claimants hold Holcim partially responsible because, as the world’s largest cement producer, it emits excessive CO₂ and thereby contributes to climate change.

The claim seeks compensation for environmental harms caused by climate change, financial participation in flood protection measures for Pari Island, and reductions in carbon emissions.

The case is the first example of a Swiss court allowing a climate claim against a large corporation. In addition, the claimants request direct and indirect emissions reductions at group level, therefore not only targeting Holcim as the defendant in the case, but also its group companies worldwide. Holcim has indicated that they intend to appeal the decision, claiming that the issue of carbon emissions ought to be a question for lawmakers, rather than the civil courts.