Metz is hosting the G7 Environment and Oceans Ministers at the congress centre Metz Congrès Robert Schuman on 5th and 6th May 2019. This international diplomatic rendezvous will bring together the environment ministers from the world's biggest economic powers: the United States of America, Japan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Canada. It is custom that the meeting takes place in the G7 country holding presidency, which is France in 2019. Metz was selected by François de Rugy, Minister of Ecological Transition and Solidarity, because of the city's long-standing ecological engagement. Metz Métropole is a prime example of controlling energy consumption and reducing the production of greenhouse gasses. Its actions towards ecological transition: the transformation of its public transport system, development of its urban heating network, protection of natural spaces, the mechanisation of rubbish collection, the “Zero waste, zero rubbish” programme, the agrobiopole at the former air base Frescaty, the European Citergie label and all of the work carried out, make Metz Métropole a hub for Energy Transition. With an energy supply mix consisting of one third renewable energy, Metz exceeds the local targets and the engagements undertaken nationally by France for COP 21. This achievement allowed the city to increase its objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the Mayors' Convention, the world's biggest movement of cities for local action on matters of climate and energy, held in Brussels in February 2018. Metz Métropole, a historic and international pioneer of urban ecology, with Jean-Marie Pelt, creator of the European Institute of Ecology, is a recognised international reference in this domain with all of its institutional, university and associative partners. The choice of Metz Métropole is also due to its capacity to host an international scale event of this standing. The congress centre Metz Congrès Robert Schuman will be the showcase for energetic transition and sustainable development around the world. The event will not only bring Environment ministers from the world's biggest economic powers to Metz, they will be joined by hundreds of specialists, directors, representatives from international associations and journalists from all over the planet. This international event will be a tremendous boost to the credentials of Metz Métropole.
