A Transparency International report reveals that corruption in sub-Saharan Africa severely hampers climate action efforts. The report highlights the significant impact of corrupt practices on climate financing, governance failures, and environmental policy effectiveness. While some nations show improvement in anti-corruption measures, the overall challenge remains critical, demanding urgent global action for transparent climate funding.
A recent report by Transparency International, released on February 11, 2025, reveals that systemic corruption in sub-Saharan Africa significantly impedes climate action. Titled “2024 Corruption Perceptions Index: Corruption is Playing a Devastating Role in the Climate Crisis,” the report emphasizes that inadequate anti-corruption measures hinder progress in mitigating climate change.
African nations require substantial climate financing to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted to the United Nations. Nevertheless, corruption manifests through misappropriation, theft, and misallocation of funds, posing a considerable barrier to these sustainable initiatives.
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which assesses public sector corruption in 180 countries, underscores a global challenge in addressing effective climate action. Seychelles, Cabo Verde, Botswana, and Rwanda emerged as the top-ranked sub-Saharan countries, with Seychelles scoring 72. Conversely, nations like Lesotho and Eswatini fared poorly, with scores of 37 and 27, respectively.
Countries witnessing severe effects from climate change, such as Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, and South Sudan, also ranked among the most corrupt. The report indicated that in Somalia, climate change has exacerbated agricultural deterioration amid ongoing conflict, impacting food security and stability.
Corruption undermines governance and hampers law enforcement, detracting from necessary climate funding that would mitigate emissions or enhance resilience. High corruption prevalence leads to opaque environmental decision-making, resulting in adverse policies and degradation of ecosystems.
For example, Libya confronts extreme heat and prolonged droughts, worsened by corruption linked to inadequate infrastructure, as demonstrated by the tragic collapse of dams in Derna during Hurricane Daniel in September 2023. Furthermore, in Eswatini, unauthorized government expenditure impedes anti-corruption initiatives amidst intensifying climate impacts.
Despite being the first country to sign a just energy transition partnership, South Africa faces ongoing corruption challenges. Allegations of the former Eskom chief executive indicate vast financial losses due to corruption, undermining governmental efforts to tackle climate-related malfeasance.
The report also connects corruption with ineffective environmental policies, notably in Zambia, where corruption facilitated the illegal trade of a protected rosewood species. Such practices generate substantial illicit gains, adversely affecting conservation efforts and the environment.
Moreover, corruption endangers environmental advocates who face threats, violence, and murder in corrupt regions. The report cites several violent incidents targeting environmental defenders across Africa, illustrating the risks faced by those championing climate justice.
Transparency International’s chief executive, Maira Martini, stressed the imperative for global actions to address corruption undermining climate initiatives. She advocates for integrating anti-corruption strategies within climate efforts to ensure funding accountability and restore public trust.
Progress in addressing corruption is evident in certain nations. Seychelles has taken decisive steps against corruption, including prosecuting high-profile cases and enhancing inter-agency collaboration. Tanzania also experienced improvements on the CPI, reflecting effective anti-corruption measures.
Wealthier nations pledged $300 billion annually by 2035 at COP29 to support vulnerable countries in combating climate change. However, ensuring the appropriate utilization of these funds necessitates robust anti-corruption frameworks to protect both human welfare and environmental health.
The report issued by Transparency International emphasizes the detrimental effects of corruption on climate action in sub-Saharan Africa, showcasing the urgent need for anti-corruption measures. By highlighting improvements in certain countries, the report also provides a pathway toward reform while emphasizing the necessity to secure climate funding against corrupt practices. Overall, contiguous efforts are essential to protect the integrity of climate initiatives and promote sustainable development.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
