A German court on Monday started hearing a Peruvian farmer's case against major energy company RWE, a lawsuit arguing that global warming fueled by the firm's historical greenhouse gas emissions ultimately poses a risk to his home.

A German court on Monday resumes hearing a landmark case brought by a Peruvian farmer who argues that the German energy giant RWE's emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home.

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?