ISA is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, said John Kerry

In a big boost to accelerate global adoption of solar energy, the US has become the 101st country to join India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA).

On Wednesday US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry signed the framework agreement of the ISA to catalyze global energy transition through a solar-led approach.

Announcing the US decision to join ISA, Kerry said, “It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making.”

“We worked out the details and this is a process we are pleased to be a part of. This will be an important contribution to more rapid deployment of solar globally. It will be particularly important for developing countries,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the US to the International Solar Alliance and thanked President Joe Biden for the step.

In a reply to a tweet by the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, the Prime Minister tweeted, "Wonderful news @ClimateEnvoy! I thank @POTUS and wholeheartedly welcome the USA to the @isolaralliance. This will further strengthen the Alliance in our shared quest of harnessing solar energy for a sustainable planet."

Welcoming the US as the 101st member of the ISA, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said this move will strengthen the ISA and propel future action on providing a clean source of energy to the world.”

Ajay Mathur, Director General of ISA, said, “The US’ endorsement of ISA’s framework and approach is an heartening development, especially as our 101st member nation, which is a significant milestone in itself, demonstrating that nations across the world are recognizing the economic and climate mitigating value of solar, as well as this energy source’s potential as a catalyst for global energy transition.”

The launch of ISA was announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Former President of France, Francois Hollande on November 30, 2015, at the 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France.

US endorsement of the ISA framework follows remarks by US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry at the Fourth General Assembly of ISA in October 2021, where he had said that ISA is critical to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has an opportunity to accelerate solar growth with member countries blessed with the world’s strongest sunlight.

Stating that, “Solar energy is at the heart of the urgent climate action,” Kerry urged nations to take dramatic action to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature rise and mid-century net zero emissions targets within reach.