Climate & Corruption Case Atlas
Transparency International’s innovative Climate & Corruption Atlas draws on global cases of corruption in climate finance.
Climate finance is central to humanity’s future – so it’s crucial that we maximise its impact. Scientists predict we have a 10- to 30-year window to reduce carbon emissions if we want to contain global warming to 1.5°C and avoid catastrophic climate change. Meeting this challenge requires vast global expenditure. In 2018 alone, climate finance totalled US$546 billion globally.
Defined under the Paris Agreement as funding aimed at either reduction of carbon emissions or adaptation to the effects of climate change, these multi-billion-dollar flows of money carry huge risks of corruption – from fraud and embezzlement to undue influence over how funds are allocated and spent. Such funding streams can seem too difficult to safeguard, but there are solutions – and it’s crucial that we apply them, so no dollar is wasted in the fight against climate change.
The power of good governance
By building a range of strong governance measures into every climate fund and project, from global to community levels, climate stakeholders can prevent corruption and build integrity. Such measures can ensure that funding designed to protect our planet from climate change arrives where it’s intended and achieves maximum impact.
But in the emerging field of climate finance, how is strong governance best achieved? To identify the essential measures, Transparency International has created the Climate & Corruption Atlas.
The first tool of its kind, the Atlas brings together case stories, analysis and learning about corruption in climate finance and projects. Drawing on global experience – from fossil-fuel lobbying to the illegal rosewood trade – its insights can support a wide range of climate stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, donors, civil society, affected communities, the media and activists.
Harnessing global experience
While climate change can sometimes seem too remote to grasp, the Atlas case stories profile its real, personal impact, highlighting its significance for us all. The accompanying database details many other cases, with links to sources allowing users to probe more deeply.
Together, by building a living body of knowledge about integrity in climate finance, we can help maximise the impact of these vital funds in containing climate change and reducing its effects on all our lives.
If you know if a case of corruption in climate finance for possible future addition to the Climate & Corruption Case Atlas, please email us.
