Global corruption levels remain alarmingly high, with efforts to reduce them faltering, according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index released today by Transparency International.
The report has exposed serious corruption globally, with over two-thirds of countries scoring below 50 out of 100.
The global average on the index has remained unchanged at 43, highlighting the need for urgent action against corruption and warning of a critical global obstacle to implementing successful climate action.
Against a backdrop of record-breaking global warming and extreme weather events, erosion of democracy and a decline in global climate leadership, the world has its back against the ropes in its fight against the climate crisis. Corruption is making that fight much harder, and the international community must address the link between corruption and the climate crisis.
The latest data shows that many countries most heavily involved in international climate action – including climate-vulnerable nations and hosts of international summits such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference- have low and/or declining CPI scores.
Corruption is obstructing effective climate action by hindering the adoption of ambitious policies. A recent Transparency International report highlighted the significant influence of oil and gas lobbyists at events like COP, which also affects political centres worldwide.
François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, said, “Corruption is an evolving global threat that does far more than undermine development – it is a key cause of declining democracy, instability and human rights violations. The international community and every nation must make tackling corruption a top and long-term priority.
“This is crucial to pushing back against authoritarianism and securing a peaceful, free and sustainable world. The dangerous trends revealed in this year’s Corruption Perception Index highlight the need to follow through with concrete action now to address global corruption.”
Maíra Martini, CEO of Transparency International, said, “We must urgently root out corruption before it fully derails meaningful climate action. Governments and multilateral organisations must embed anti-corruption measures into climate efforts to safeguard finance, rebuild trust and maximise impact.
“Today, corrupt forces not only shape but often dictate policies and dismantle checks and balances – silencing journalists, activists and anyone fighting for equality and sustainability. True climate resilience demands tackling these threats directly and decisively. Vulnerable people around the world desperately need this action.”
Mads Christensen, Executive Director of Greenpeace International, said, “This year’s analysis showed again how fossil fuel corruption undermines climate efforts, including in the United States. Around the world, communities are demanding climate action from their governments.
“But the people’s voices are time and again countered by the corrupting power of the oil and gas companies profiting from environmental devastation, who use their billions to attempt to silence critics and activists, to buy power, and to dismantle the protections that safeguard our families and our planet.
“Greenpeace organisations and our allies are facing such a threat from pipeline giant Energy Transfer, which is trying to wipe us off the map in the US with a massive, specious lawsuit. It’s up to all of us who care about the future to stand up to these corporate bullies, no matter the cost.”
