Global efforts to tackle climate change are being hindered by corruption, according to a report from Transparency International. The watchdog’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2024 shows that many countries, including major players like Brazil and Germany, have seen their scores decline.
Brazil, host of this year’s COP30 climate talks, scored its lowest-ever rating of 34, indicating a high level of corruption. Germany, which fell to 15th place out of 180 countries surveyed, cited a lack of transparency in financing political parties as the main problem.
Wealthier countries like Canada and the US also saw their performance slide. The report notes that nations with a higher perceived risk of public sector corruption receive lower scores on a scale from zero to 100. In fact, 85% of the global population lives in countries scoring under 50.
The lowest-scoring countries are often gripped by conflict, while some have seen significant improvements over the past five years, including Kosovo and Kuwait. Denmark has the best ranking, but Transparency International warns that corruption is obstructing effective climate action by hindering policy adoption and dismantling checks and balances.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/transparency-international-corruption-is-a-climate-issue/a-71567464