Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024

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