Effect of elevated CO2 on CH4 emission

Global CH₄ emission may increase under CO₂ enrichment condition, which is projected for the future. CO₂ enrichment could affect CH₄ emission in two ways: (i) Photosynthesis of plants that also include plants in rice paddies and natural wetlands will be stimulated under CO₂ enrichment condition. CH₄ emission rate may be increased due to the accumulation of more plant biomass, root exudes and soil organic matters. (ii) Combined with other global warming forces, CO₂ enrichment may bring a change of atmospheric temperature and precipitation around the world. CH₄ emission will also be changed with the variation of the area and distribution of rice paddies and natural wetlands.