Research on the Response of Vegetation to Elevated Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Abstract The global rise in atmospheric CO 2 is an established phenomenon. Irrespective of whether a CO 2 ‐induced climate change occurs, it is abundantly clear that the earth's mantle of vegetation will be directly affected by increased CO 2 levels. Carbon dioxide is essential for plant growth (plants obtain C from CO 2 in the atmosphere); a higher level of CO 2 will increase the rate of photosynthesis. Quantitative information on the CO 2 ‐induced growth response for field situations is needed for assessments of (i) possible benefits to agriculture, (ii) the amount of fossil C that can be sequestered by CO 2 ‐accelerated growth of the biosphere, and (iii) unknown or unidentified effects of CO 2 on the physiology, structure, and function of plants and ecosystems. Along with knowledge of CO 2 effects on climate and other factors, information on direct plant effects will be used in comprehensive evaluations of policy options related to increasing atmospheric CO 2 . Herein, a discussion of the plan by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to address the CO 2 problem is presented along with research results from two programs, one agricultural and the other ecological.