A Peruvian farmer who says German energy giant RWE's emissions have contributed to the melting of Andean glaciers, increasing the flood risk to his home, took his case to court on Monday in a hearing that could set a precedent for climate litigation.

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 is re-opening a significant climate-related legal case involving Peruvian farmer Saul Luciano Lliuya, who asserts that emissions from German energy company RWE have played a role in the melting of glaciers in the Andes.