France, Dec. 22 -- Four residents of Pulau Pariisland are demanding compensation from the Swiss cement giant for climate damage and help to fund flood protection measures on the island that could be completely under water by 2050 if sea levels continue to rise.

Major companies

The case is part of a wider international movement seeking to hold major companies responsible for the impacts of climate change that impacts millions of people, especially in developing countries.

The main targets have usually been oil companies, though the focus on Holcim highlights the impact of the cement industry on climate change - the industry produces around seven to eight percent of annual carbon dioxide emissions caused by human activity.

Small island ...