Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024

Social Issues Corruption

Context: Transparency International released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024 and India ranked 96 among 180 countries.

CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
CPI 2024 highlights that corruption is making fight against climate change much harder and urged international community to address the link between corruption and the climate crisis.

The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranks 180 countries based on perceived public sector corruption.
It highlights corruption as a global issue, though some countries are showing improvement.
The report also identifies corruption as a major barrier to climate action, obstructing efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to global heating effects.

Standardize Data Sources: Scores are standardized by subtracting the mean and dividing by the standard deviation of each source in the baseline year, ensuring comparability since 2012. The scores are then scaled to the CPI’s 0-100 range.
Calculate the Average: A country’s CPI score is the average of at least three sources, rounded to whole numbers.
Report Uncertainty: The CPI score includes a standard error and confidence interval to reflect variation across data sources.

Hinders the adoption of ambitious policies by favouring interests of narrow groups over common good.
Weakens governance structures, undermines law enforcement, and compromises transparency in environmental decision-making.
Diversion and misuse of Climate Funds as most countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change score below 50 on CPI.
Deepen the marginalisation of vulnerable populations who suffer disproportionately from climate change.
Undermines effectiveness of multilateralism by increasing opacity of climate conferences and allowing voice of fossil fuel lobbyists.

85% of world population live in countries with CPI scores under 50.
India: India scored 38 out of 100 (drop of one point from 2023) and ranked 96th.
Least corrupt: Denmark followed by Finland and Singapore.
Most Corrupt: South Sudan, Somalia, and Venezuela.

Corruption remains a global issue, but positive changes are occurring in some countries.
32 countries have reduced corruption since 2012, while 148 countries have stagnated or worsened.
Global Average Score: The global average score is 43, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50.

Integrate Integrity in Climate Efforts: Anti-corruption measures are crucial for effective climate action. Collaboration between climate and anti-corruption actors, supported by frameworks like the UN Convention against Corruption, can safeguard against theft and policy manipulation.
Protect Climate Policymaking: Transparency and inclusivity in climate policies will strengthen trust and enhance climate action. Mechanisms to manage conflicts of interest, such as lobbying registers, are key to boosting ambition in climate forums.
Combat Corruption in Climate Efforts: Strengthen investigations, sanctions, and protections to deter environmental crimes and reduce impunity. Ensure access to justice and protect climate defenders, land rights activists, and whistleblowers from retaliation.
Engage Citizens in Climate Investments: Make information on climate finance and projects accessible and transparent. Inclusive accountability frameworks ensure communities affected by climate change are involved in decisions and solutions, leading to better results.
Enhance investigations and protections: Strengthening anti-corruption bodies and protect environmental defenders.
Shield climate policymaking processes from undue influence: Creating mechanisms to detect and manage conflicts of interest.
Strengthen citizen engagement: Information on climate finance and projects needs to be open and accessible.