Indonesian islanders plant mangroves, seek justice as seas rise
- Residents on Pari Island sue Swiss cement maker Holcim
- Climate change blamed for warmer, higher sea
- Mangroves help protect Indonesia's eroding coastline
Under the scorching midday sun, Asmania and several women from Indonesia's Pari Island walk toward Rengge Beach, a shoreline slowly receding from the rising sea, to plant dozens of young mangrove seedlings.
The Women's Group of Pari Island hopes the mangroves, which also absorb planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions, will protect the coastline from worsening tidal floods, rising sea levels and stronger waves.
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"While in our opinion the question of who is allowed to emit how much CO2 is a matter for the legislature and not a question for a civil court, Holcim is deeply committed to taking action on climate," a spokesperson told Context in an email, pointing to the company's use of decarbonisation technology.
Although the case may not change international law, it reflects a rising trend of communities testing corporate accountability across borders, said Glenn Wijaya, a Jakarta-based lawyer who specialises in mining, energy and renewable projects.
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