The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, released by Transparency International, ranks 180 countries based on public sector corruption perception on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Key Findings of CPI 2024:
Global Trends:
- 85% of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI scores below 50, indicating widespread corruption.
- Corruption is making climate action more difficult, urging global efforts to tackle corruption in climate governance.
India’s Performance:
- India scored 38 out of 100, marking a 1-point drop from 2023.
- Rank: 96th
Least Corrupt Countries:
- Denmark (Rank 1) followed by Finland and Singapore.
Most Corrupt Countries:
- South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela ranked lowest.
Impact of Corruption on Climate Action:
Weakens Policy Adoption:
- Corrupt practices favour narrow business interests over the common good, delaying ambitious climate policies.
Undermines Governance & Transparency:
- Corruption weakens environmental laws and enforcement, making climate policies ineffective.
Misuse of Climate Funds:
- Many nations most vulnerable to climate change score below 50 on CPI, leading to misallocation of climate finance.
Marginalizes Vulnerable Communities:
- Corruption worsens the situation for marginalized groups, who disproportionately suffer from climate change.
Weakens Global Climate Negotiations:
- Fossil fuel lobbyists exploit corruption, influencing decisions at climate summits, making climate agreements less effective.
Recommendations of CPI 2024 Report:
Integrating Integrity in Climate Action:
- Strengthen adherence to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) for fair climate governance.
Enhancing Investigations & Protections:
- Strengthen anti-corruption agencies and protect environmental activists from threats.
Shield Climate Policy from Undue Influence:
- Establish mechanisms to detect conflicts of interest, ensuring corporate lobbying doesn’t derail climate goals.
Strengthen Citizen Engagement & Transparency:
- Ensure open access to climate finance and projects, promoting public accountability.
The CPI 2024 underscores that corruption is a significant barrier to climate action. Countries must strengthen anti-corruption measures, protect climate funds, and increase transparency to ensure that efforts to combat climate change remain effective and equitable.
