Corruption’s Devastating Impact on Climate Change Mitigation
Bribery, theft, conflicts of interest, and other forms of corruption are undermining global efforts to combat climate change and safeguard the environment, according to a recent study by Transparency International. The research reveals that countries plagued by high levels of corruption often sidestep environmental regulations to exploit natural resources, resorting to violence to suppress opposition. This violence frequently targets Indigenous communities, exacerbating the detrimental effects of corruption on vulnerable populations.
Brice Böhmer, a researcher at Transparency International, acknowledges the persistent presence of corruption in society, emphasizing the critical need for effective tools to combat it, such as proper consultation and oversight. He emphasizes that corruption not only weakens governance structures but also disproportionately impacts Indigenous peoples when governments adopt inadequate climate change policies, exposing these communities to severe weather events and subsequent exploitation through fraudulent practices or manipulation of policies and funding.
The report underscores the importance of democratic principles, like freedom of expression and access to information, in mitigating corruption. Countries that uphold these principles, such as the Dominican Republic, have made strides in addressing corruption through data transparency and collaboration. Conversely, nations like Russia have experienced heightened corruption levels, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine, which has reinforced authoritarianism and stifled dissent.
Indigenous communities, long recognized as custodians of biodiversity, face significant challenges in defending their territories against exploitation. Despite their critical role in environmental conservation, only 35 percent of Indigenous lands worldwide receive legal protection, leaving many vulnerable to illegal activities like logging, mining, and animal trafficking. In regions like Indonesia and Brazil, corruption enables the destruction of Indigenous land for activities like palm oil production and fraudulent land sales, leading to displacement and violence within these communities.
Oguzhan Dincer, director of the Institute for Corruption Studies at Illinois State University, characterizes corruption as a pervasive societal tax that undermines public services and environmental protections. He emphasizes that corruption, which involves the misuse of public office for personal gain, impacts all individuals who rely on public services like education and healthcare or seek clean air and water. Dincer likens corruption to a persistent virus, highlighting the lengthy and challenging process of eradicating its detrimental effects.
According to Global Witness reports, environmental defenders face significant risks of intimidation and violence, with nearly 200 individuals, half of whom are Indigenous or of Afrodescent, losing their lives in environmental activism-related incidents last year. Indigenous people, in particular, have been targeted, with an estimated 800 deaths recorded since 2012 in connection with efforts to protect their lands and territories. Transparency International notes that many of these killings occur in countries with high corruption levels.
While low levels of corruption do not guarantee respect for Indigenous rights, the case of Finland illustrates that even in countries with low corruption rankings, challenges persist. Despite being recognized as one of the world’s least corrupt nations, Finland faced calls from the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2024 to address historical human rights violations against the Sámi people and acknowledge Indigenous land rights. This lack of legal protection for Indigenous territorial decision-making underscores the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities worldwide.
Dincer urges individuals to advocate for anti-corruption policies and increase awareness of the damaging effects of corruption on society. While acknowledging the grim reality of corruption’s pervasive influence, he emphasizes the importance of holding representatives accountable for corrupt practices and advocating for transparency and ethical governance.
As corruption continues to jeopardize climate change mitigation efforts and environmental conservation, it is imperative for individuals and governments to work collectively to address systemic corruption and protect the rights of vulnerable communities worldwide.
