Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Report

The 2024 CPI report by Transparency International highlights a decline in the Asia-Pacific region's efforts to combat corruption, especially concerning climate finance and governance.

Key Findings

• Declining CPI Score: The Asia-Pacific region's average CPI score dropped by one point to 44, indicating a failure to meet anti-corruption pledges.
• Impact on Climate Action: Corruption undermines climate action by weakening environmental regulations and misdirecting climate finance.
• Broader Climate Risks:
  • Asia Pacific, home to a third of the global population, faces severe risks due to potential governance failures in protecting climate funds.
• Corruption and Climate Change: Described as "devastating," corruption poses significant challenges to addressing climate change, considered the biggest challenge facing humanity.

Countries Flagged for Climate-Related Corruption Concerns

• Bangladesh: Climate finance is vulnerable to misuse.
• Pakistan: Governance gaps delay Climate Change Act provisions; financing is below the required US$348 billion by 2030.
• India: Allegations of over US$250 million in bribes for solar energy contracts highlight the need for stronger safeguards.
• Small Island States:
  • Papua New Guinea: Corruption allegations at the Climate Change and Development Authority.
  • Vanuatu: Political instability and integrity concerns.
  • Maldives: Concerns over weakening democratic checks.

Energy and Transition Sector Concerns

• Indonesia: Corruption-linked risks in the Eco City project.
• Vietnam: Investigations into abuse of power in wind and solar sectors.

Youth Response to Governance Failures

• Young people are increasingly using litigation to hold governments accountable, exemplified by South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruling to strengthen climate laws.

Recommendations

• Calls to Action: Transparency International urges governments to align public commitments with concrete actions to prevent corruption from impeding climate adaptation and mitigation.