The C4 pathway is a photosynthetic process used by certain plants to efficiently capture carbon dioxide. This pathway is particularly advantageous in hot and dry environments, as it minimizes water loss while maximizing carbon fixation. Plants that utilize this method include sugarcane and maize. In the C4 pathway, carbon dioxide is first fixed into a four-carbon compound before entering the Calvin cycle. This adaptation allows C4 plants to thrive in conditions where traditional C3 photosynthesis would be less effective, making them crucial for agriculture in warmer climates.