#NowForClimate: Youth Demand a Soft Landing on the Climate Crisis on Tuesday, June 2

#NowForClimate: Youth Demand a Soft Landing on the Climate Crisis on Tuesday, June 2

Ottawa, ON – As part of Federal Environment Week and in alignment with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) World Environment Day 2026, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada is co-hosting a youth-led “Parachutes for the Planet” display with Senator Mary Coyle on Parliament Hill.

What: A youth-led display of parachutes, a powerful symbol of hope and a call for a “soft landing” through the climate and polycrises of our time. The event will feature an exhibition of decorated parachutes, each representing a commitment to climate action and a sustainable future.

Why: This year’s World Environment Day theme, #NowForClimate, urges immediate action to address the climate crisis. The “Parachutes for the Planet” event aligns with this global call, emphasizing the need for hope, resilience, and collective action. The parachutes symbolize a safe and just transition to a sustainable world, sending a message that humanity is ready to act.

Who:

• Co-hosts: Senator Mary Coyle and Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada
• Member of Parliament Eric St-Pierre will be sharing a few words
• Youth Speakers: Sophia Mathur, Maggie Fu, Salma Mohamed,  Ahmed Mohamed and Adam Freedman

When: Tuesday, June 2, 2026

•  7:30 AM – 9:30 AM: Parachutes for the Planet display
• 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM: Speeches, a participatory dance that shows our shared resolve to move together in accordance to what the United Nations Environmental Program is asking for on World Environment Day 2026 and photo opportunities with youth leaders, and dignitaries.

Agenda 7:45 am to 8:15 am

• Bilingual Land Acknowledgement – Ahmed Mohamed and Adam Freedman
• MP Eric St-Pierre and Senator Mary Coyle
• Salma Mohamed, Maggie Fu and Sophia Mathur
• Participatory dance
• Group photos
• Parachutes on display from 7:30 am to 9:30 am

Notably, Sophia, Maggie, and Salma first brought their “Parachute for the Planet” to Parliament Hill in 2018 at just 11 years old and they then watched the IPCC Code Red debate in the House of Commons. This year, they return as seasoned advocates, continuing their mission to inspire climate action and leadership.

Where: West Parliament Hill Lawn, Ottawa, Ontario

Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada
Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada is a non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization empowering citizens to engage with their elected officials on climate solutions. In the month of June members from across Canada will be lobbying their MPs for industiral carbon pricing and aligning the finance system with the climate crisis. 

Media Contact: Cathy Orlando, National Director, Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada cathy@citizensclimate.org | 705-929-4043