Corruption Could Jeopardize Global Climate Efforts, Warns Transparency International

In a recent report, Transparency International raised concerns that corruption is set to derail international cooperation on climate change. The organization pointed out that many nations—especially those hosting major UN climate summits or facing severe impacts from global warming—are experiencing a decline in their integrity scores, jeopardizing efforts to address the climate crisis.

The report, based on the "Corruption Perceptions Index" for 2024, indicates that public sector corruption hampers the implementation of policies and weakens vital institutional checks and balances. According to Transparency International’s CEO, Maira Martini, there is an urgent need to eliminate corrupt practices before they further impair global climate initiatives, as corrupt networks can divert climate finance and dilute environmental regulations.

Countries that are at the forefront of global climate discussions are not immune to these issues. For example, Brazil, which is hosting this year’s COP 30 summit, received its lowest-ever score of 34, while Azerbaijan, a key player in previous climate talks and an oil-rich state, scored an even lower 22. Even among wealthier nations traditionally seen as leaders in environmental policy, declining scores were noted in Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, reflecting a growing concern about the integrity of climate action worldwide.