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Atmospheric changes such as elevated CO₂ are of global extent, exert prime influences in the remaining wilderness areas, and are second in importance only to effects of land use on ecosystems in most parts of the world. This study is an attempt to summarize, from a biological viewpoint, knowledge of the influences of atmospheric CO₂ enrichment on terrestrial ecosystems, as derived from empirical data. I first briefly recall key aspects of the global carbon cycle, mention important conceptual aspects and research tools, and then discuss in greater depth how elevated CO₂ is likely to affect vegetation processes. Besides a stimulation of photosynthesis, the most robust findings on plant responses to elevated CO₂ are changes in active tissue quality (wider C/N ratio) and effects on community dynamics. Results of experimental work offer a number of plausible projections with respect to future ecosystem processes and …