A Transparency International report highlights how systemic corruption in sub-Saharan Africa threatens climate action. Released on February 11, 2025, it emphasizes that corruption undermines the effective use of climate finance, detailing how misappropriation of funds hinders the implementation of climate action plans. Countries most impacted by climate change often have the highest corruption rates, leading to ineffective governance in environmental policies.
A recent report from Transparency International, titled “2024 Corruption Perceptions Index: Corruption is Playing a Devastating Role in the Climate Crisis,” reveals that systemic corruption in sub-Saharan Africa significantly undermines efforts to combat climate change. Released on February 11, 2025, the report emphasizes that ineffective anti-corruption measures hinder the implementation of climate action plans known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which African nations desperately need to finance initiatives against climate change.
The report highlights the correlation between corruption and climate action, illustrating how misallocation, theft, and misappropriation of funds threaten the efficacy of these measures. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which assesses public sector corruption, countries like Seychelles and Cabo Verde rank relatively high, while countries heavily affected by climate change, such as Somalia and South Sudan, are among the most corrupt.
The report points out that corruption disrupts governance and misdirects essential funds necessary for reducing emissions and building resilience against climate impacts. In nations plagued by high levels of corruption, environmental decision-making is often opaque, resulting in ineffective policies that exacerbate environmental degradation. The case of Libya illustrates the dire consequences, as corruption aggravated the impact of Hurricane Daniel, which led to catastrophic flooding.
In Eswatini, rampant unauthorized spending and ineffective anti-corruption measures contribute to the challenges of addressing climate issues. Despite being impacted severely by climate change, these governance failures significantly hinder access to necessary climate financing. Meanwhile, South Africa, despite hosting the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, grapples with ongoing corruption allegations within its energy sector.
The report further discusses how corruption leads to jeopardized environmental advocacy. Environmental defenders often face severe risks, including violence and murder in corrupt regions. From 2012 to 2023, the report cites the deaths of numerous environmental activists, highlighting the dangerous climate for those who challenge the status quo.
Maira Martini, chief executive of Transparency International, advocates for urgent global measures to dismantle corruption that obstructs climate action. “Governments and multilateral organizations must embed anti-corruption measures in climate efforts to protect funding and rebuild trust,” she stated.
Some progress has been made in tackling corruption, notably in Seychelles, which has prosecuted high-profile cases and enhanced inter-agency cooperation. Tanzania, too, has improved its standing in the CPI over the years, demonstrating effective anti-corruption enforcement strategies.
Amidst initiatives like the $300 billion annual pledge from wealthier nations to assist vulnerable countries, the successful allocation of these funds will depend on robust anti-corruption frameworks. Only through vigilant oversight can African nations hope to effectively combat climate change and ensure funds reach their intended recipients.
The Transparency International report underscores the critical impact of corruption on climate action in sub-Saharan Africa, revealing that effective governance is essential for implementing strategies to combat climate change. The correlation between high corruption levels and weaker environmental policies emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced anti-corruption measures. As nations strive towards climate resilience, ensuring that funding is protected and effectively utilized will require accountability and integrity in governance.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
