The diversity of activities to prevent and combat corruption that harms the environment is laudable. But it is far from the scale needed to tackle today's corruption and environmental challenges.

Adopted in 2019, UNCAC Resolution 8/12 – Preventing and combating corruption as it relates to crimes that have an impact on the environment – urges States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption offences where they may be linked to crimes that have an impact on the environment.

Juhani Grossmann and Amanda Cabrejo le Roux explain the strategic re-focusing of our Green Corruption programme on energy and climate:

What is “green” corruption and why does it matter?

Green corruption refers to corruption and other financial crimes and governance failures that harm the environment and hinder global efforts to combat climate change.

Companies and business associations play an important role in preventing and reducing corruption in the markets where they operate – something that governments also want to achieve.

So how can governments and the private sector work together better to raise standards of integrity and fair business in specific countries and industries?

To answer this, our Collective Action team has worked with the people on the front lines of governments’ corruption prevent efforts – anti-corruption authorities –  to develop practical guidance with real examples.

Media reports of corruption arising from coronavirus-related aid and emergency procurement are starting to circulate. Crises such as the current one, in common with natural disaster situations, inevitably increase the risks of corruption. And that increases the importance of strong corruption prevention.