We analyzed the direct effect of enhanced CO₂ concentration and the effect of expected climate change on the production of maize Zea mays L. in the Argentine Rolling Pampas. Maize yield was simulated using the CERES Maize model. Climate change scenarios for double CO₂ were generated by 3 widely used Global Circulation Models (GCMs). Simulation analysis indicated a decrease in maize yield between 20 and 25 % according to the GCM chosen. The 3 GCMs predicted an increase in temperature and precipitation, mainly during summer months. Yield reduction was mainly the result of the shortening of the growing cycle. The direct effect of CO₂ enhancement did not compensate the reduction in yield associated with the shortening of the growing season. The proportional reduction in yield was higher under nitrogen stress condition than without nitrogen stress. Adaptive strategies may compensate for reduced yield. Sowing date needs to be moved forward 15 to 30 d to reach temperatures similar to the present. Modification of the grain filling duration coefficient in the crop model compensated yield reduction, suggesting that new cultivars may be a good way of offsetting the effects of global change.