In the 1960s , larger sections of swamps and bogs in Western Russia were drained for agricultural and mining purposes . Plans are underway to increase peat output and increase peat 's contribution to Russian energy generation . There is concern about the environmental impact as peat fields are flammable , drainage degrades ecosystems , and burning of peat releases carbon dioxide . Due to 2010 forest and peat fires , the Russian government is under heavy pressure to finance re-flooding of the previously drained bogs around Moscow . The initial costs for the programme are estimated to be about 20 to 25 billion rubles ; that is close to 500 million euros ( 540 million USD )
2010 forest and peat fires
2010 Russian wildfires
Peat