Peat mining, primarily for fuel, has greatly reduced the extent of peatlands in northern Europe and Russia. The role of bogs in methane production is considerable. It has been estimated that peatlands of all types produce as much as 40 percent of the world's methane. This is a major contribution to greenhouse gases. It may, however, be somewhat balanced by the fact the peatlands act as a sink for carbon dioxide.
Flooding caused by beaver dams can seriously damage peatlands.