International Anti-Corruption Coalition Urges EU Countries to Include Climate-Related Offenses in Whistleblower Protections

An international coalition of anti-corruption groups and whistleblower advocates are urging members of the European Union (EU) to include climate-related offenses as part of new whistleblower protections.

The letter argues that legalizing climate whistleblowing will empower those with knowledge of frauds related to the fossil fuel industry, energy and transportation, and pollution risks.

Under a 2019 Directive, all 27 EU countries are required to pass a minimum set of whistleblower protections by the end of 2021. These protections include: providing citizens with confidential channels to report violations, legal protections from retaliation, compensation if they are victimized, and a pledge that reports will be investigated and corrective actions taken.

“People have the most power to expose environmental crimes,” said Stephen M. Kohn, partner at Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and Chair of the National Whistleblower Center in Washington, DC. “But they need strong assurances they can report violations without losing their jobs and their careers. If any type of whistleblower needs and deserves first-class protections, it is the climate whistleblower.”

Read the letter: Supplemental Filing — Urgent Need to Include Climate Related Disclosures as a Protected Activity