The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index warns that corruption blocks climate action, weakens the UN and exposes vulnerable countries such as South Africa.
Corruption has become one of the most serious obstacles to addressing climate change, according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) published by Transparency International.
The report shows that global corruption levels remain dangerously high, while efforts to curb them have stalled, directly undermining climate governance, the effectiveness of the United Nations, and the protection of billions of vulnerable people.
More than two-thirds of the countries assessed scored below 50 out of 100 in the CPI, with the global average stuck at 43 points. This stagnation highlights a structural failure at a time when the world is facing unprecedented extreme weather events, accelerating global warming and democratic backsliding.
Corruption weakens climate action on several levels. It enables the misuse and diversion of climate funds intended to support mitigation and adaptation efforts, placing billions of dollars at risk.
These resources are crucial for building resilient infrastructure, supporting renewable energy projects and protecting communities already affected by climate impacts.
Countries most exposed to climate change often rank among those with the worst corruption scores. Weak oversight and accountability systems leave millions of people unprotected, reinforcing global inequalities and deepening institutional fragility.
South Africa stands out as a key example. With a CPI score of 41, the country has faced massive corruption scandals within its state-owned energy company Eskom, where nearly 1 billion rands per month have reportedly been stolen.
This not only damages public finances but also undermines South Africa’s energy transition and its commitments under UN-backed climate frameworks.
The report also highlights the undue influence of fossil fuel lobbyists at major international climate summits, including UN climate conferences.
According to Transparency International, such interference weakens ambitious policymaking and erodes trust in multilateral climate negotiations.
Transparency International President François Valérian warned that corruption fuels authoritarianism, instability and human rights violations, stressing that fighting it must be a global priority.
Executive Director Maíra Martini added that without strong anti-corruption safeguards, meaningful climate action will remain out of reach.
The human cost is severe. Environmental defenders are increasingly exposed to threats, violence and murder, particularly in highly corrupt countries. Since 2019, nearly all killings of environmental activists occurred in nations scoring below 50 on the CPI.
The 2024 CPI makes clear that corruption is a critical factor undermining global climate efforts. Without decisive reforms, stronger transparency and coordinated action by governments and international institutions, climate goals will continue to fall short—at the expense of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
