1. Research on the impacts of human activities on the global environment and research on the impacts of the global environmental change on human health and ecosystem
2. Research on policy planning to conserve the global environment
3. Other research necessary to promote the above research types

• Depletion of the ozone layer
• Global warming
• Acid precipitation
• Marine pollution (including changes in the marine environment caused by human activities)
• Tropical deforestation
• Loss of biological diversity
• Desertification
• Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Problems
• Other global environmental problems

Priority Research
Research which is recognized to be of particularly high priority, including:

1. research for important policy needs,
2. research requiring large-scale observation, and
3. research based on international joint research programs.

This research is done by national research institutes. If necessary, they can contract with universities, private research institutes, etc.

Core Research
Research in the individual area of global environment research: This type of researches are done by the national research institutes and other governmental organs. If necessary, they can contract with universities, private research institutes, etc.

Cooperative Research with Developing Countries
Studies where joint research in an entire region is necessary, particularly with institutions in developing countries and those transforming to market economies: This research is done by national research institutes. If necessary, they can contract with universities, private research institutes, etc.

Integrated Research
Research integrating core research or covering different research areas comprehensively: This research is conducted by the Center for Global Environmental Research (CGER) or other national research institutes cooperating with CGER. If necessary, they can contract with universities, private research institutes, etc.

Pioneering Global Exchange Research
Research projects where concrete methods or technologies are not firmly established, but where actively nurturing or consolidating research themes can be expected to contribute to the progress of innovative research to solve global environmental problems, by the development and introduction of research theories, technological innovations or analytical methods based on new concepts which exist as potential elements: This research is implemented by national research institutes or the Environmental Agency. If necessary, a portion of research themes can be contracted out by the National Institute for Environmental Studies to universities, private institutions, etc.

Feasibility Studies
Studies necessary to establish or review the research subjects for the areas in which concrete research methods have not been clarified: These studies will be conducted by national research institutes or Environmental Agency. If necessary, they can contract with universities, private research institutes, etc.

International Exchange Research
Studies in which leading researchers are invited to Japan from overseas to conduct joint research in a host institute. For details see Eco-Frontier Fellowship.