Climate Change Impacts on Wetland Ecosystem Functioning with Special Reference to Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Wetlands encompass diverse ecosystems, comprising approximately 5%–8% of the Earth’s land surface. These distinct habitats are renowned for their wide range of living forms and are crucial in supplying the ecological services required for human well-being. Among their notable contributions is the capacity to sequester carbon, influencing global greenhouse gas fluxes and contributing significantly to climate regulation. Despite their ecological importance, wetlands face challenges from ongoing climate change, characterized by increasing temperatures and altered hydrology. These changes threaten wetlands’ biogeochemistry and overall functioning, potentially undermining their ability to provide critical services. This shift in environmental conditions may compromise the effectiveness of wetland forests as carbon sinks, leading to a transition from carbon sequestering to carbon-emitting sources. This chapter delves into examining the impact of microclimatic variables on greenhouse gas emissions within wetland ecosystems, exploring potential repercussions and considering available strategies for emission reduction.