Corruption threatens climate action, Transparency International warns

Corruption has emerged as a formidable obstacle to global climate initiatives, posing a significant threat to efforts to mitigate climate change, warns a recent report by Transparency International. According to their findings, corrupt practices have the potential to derail international cooperation needed to address climate issues effectively.

The 2024 “Corruption Perceptions Index,” published by the organization, reveals that many key nations involved in climate action, either by hosting major climate conferences or those most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, have shown troubling corruption levels. Many are witnessing deteriorating scores compared to previous years.

Transparency International’s CEO highlighted the dangerous influence of corruption that not only skews policy decisions but also dismantle the necessary systems of oversight. She stressed the urgent need to address these corrupt forces to avert the derailment of meaningful climate action.

Corruption threatens to siphon away funds allocated for combating climate change, potentially diverting them to unintended areas and compromising the enforcement of environmental regulations. This misdirection of resources diminishes the effectiveness of global warming initiatives.

The annual index measures perceived public sector corruption, assigning countries scores between zero and 100, where lower scores indicate higher perceived corruption. For instance, Brazil, the current host of the COP 30 UN climate summit, received a score of 34, marking its lowest score to date. Similarly, Azerbaijan, a major oil-producing country and the host of the last summit, recorded a meager score of 22.

In contrast, the United Arab Emirates, which hosted COP in 2023 and appointed the head of its state oil company as the conference chair, scored relatively better with 68 points. Yet the report notes that even these higher scores do not necessarily reflect a strong ability to lead robust climate initiatives without corruption’s undermining influence.

Alarmingly, the report also points out that corruption is not only a challenge for developing nations but also for wealthier countries, traditionally seen as leaders in climate negotiations. Countries like Canada, New Zealand, and the United States have all seen declines in their scores, with scores of 75, 83, and 65 respectively. The report underscores that corruption in these nations hobbles global progress, as they bear heightened responsibility to spearhead ambitious emission reduction targets and efforts to enhance global resilience.

Nations most susceptible to climate change impacts are also among those with the lowest scores on the corruption index. Countries like South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela, scoring eight, nine, and ten respectively, are underlined as particularly at risk. These vulnerable populations typically have limited means to cope with severe weather conditions and pollution, underscoring their need for robust government support campaigns free from corrupt interference.

To combat these challenges, the report suggests the development of improved metrics and frameworks. Implementing stringent transparency and accountability standards in climate-related initiatives can track progress more effectively and ensure the right utilization of funds. This step could play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of funds meant for climate action.

The report advocates for a renewed commitment to battling corruption at all levels to preserve the integrity of environmental actions. By rooting out corruption, global efforts can be realigned to focus on delivering impactful results in the ongoing fight against climate change.

In conclusion, without addressing the core issue of corruption, global climate action may continue to be undermined, jeopardizing progress towards a sustainable future. Transparency and accountability are crucial elements in ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and environmental policies are implemented effectively.