To provide a means of assessing the relative distribution and frequency of global drought hazard.

To provide data that can be used in global mangrove forest distribution modeling, land cover change analysis, global carbon accounting studies and to assist with policy-making in regards to human-environment interactions and future adaptive strategies.

To create a comparative index of national-level environmental sustainability and to provide a mechanism for making environmental management more quantitative, empirically grounded and systematic.

To provide a gridded data on country-level population and downscaled projections based on the SRES B2 marker scenario.

To provide gridded GDP data on country-level downscaled projections based on the SRES B2 marker scenario.

To provide insights into the processes that can negatively influence the sustainable development of countries, with particular reference to vulnerability to natural hazards.

To provide a comparative index of national-level environmental sustainability covering a number of sustainability dimensions.