Europe has become "the first continent" in the world to declare a climate emergency after the EU Parliament agreed to the status.
In a symbolic bit, to push environmental matters as high as possible, the parliament voted by 429 to 225 in favour of the label.
Nineteen members were absent from voting.
The EU Parliament shares power over the budget and legislation and plays a key role in electing the President of the European Commission. It also makes sure other EU institutions are working democratically.
Renew Europe MEP Pascal Canfin, who initiated the move, said it made Europe “the first continent to declare a climate and environmental emergency”.
Mr Canfin said the parliament is meeting the expectations of European citizens.
The EU has long been at the forefront of the global climate debate, a role that has been reinforced since the United States pulled out of the Paris climate agreement.
EU Parliament members are elected in the member states and represent the interests of the EU’s 500 million inhabitants.
Over the years and with subsequent changes in European treaties, the parliament has acquired substantial legislative and budgetary powers.
