Syllabus: GS2/Governance/GS4/Ethics
Context
- India ranked 96 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024.
About
- The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024 highlights how corruption is hindering global efforts to combat climate change.
- The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.
- It uses a scale of zero to 100, where “zero” is highly corrupt and “100” is very clean.
- The report has been compiled by Transparency International.
- 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.
Key CPI 2024 Findings
- 85% of the world’s population lives in countries with CPI scores below 50.
- India scored 38 out of 100, dropping one point from 2023, and ranked 96th.
- Least Corrupt Countries: Denmark, Finland, Singapore.
- Most Corrupt Countries: South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela.
How Corruption is Affecting Climate Action?
- Weakens Climate Policies: Corruption prioritizes the interests of a few powerful groups over the public good, leading to weaker environmental policies.
- Erodes Governance & Law Enforcement: Poor governance and lack of transparency reduce accountability in climate decision-making.
- Misuse of Climate Funds: Many climate-vulnerable nations score below 50 on CPI, increasing risks of fund misallocation.
- Worsens Inequality: Marginalized communities bear the brunt of climate change due to ineffective policies.
- Undermines Multilateralism: Corruption influences climate negotiations, empowering fossil fuel lobbyists and reducing transparency.
Recommendations
- Strengthen Anti-Corruption Measures: Integrate safeguards in climate finance and policies.
- Increase Transparency in Climate Policy: Implement lobbying regulations and open climate finance records.
- Enhance Investigations & Protections: Protect whistleblowers and environmental activists.
- Promote Public Engagement: Ensure communities affected by climate change are included in decision-making.
Source: Transparencia
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