Harrowing climate change disasters like the Hawaii wildfires or ongoing periods of extreme temperatures like what people faced last summer in the South and Southwest may have you considering a move to a cooler locale. The Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) measures data around climate change, including a country’s vulnerability and preparedness.
According to ND-GAIN, “Vulnerability measures a country’s exposure, sensitivity and ability to adapt to the negative impact of climate change. ND-GAIN measures the overall vulnerability by considering vulnerability in six life-supporting sectors – food, water, health, ecosystem service, human habitat and infrastructure.”
Here are the 15 least vulnerable countries.
1. Switzerland
Thanks to its inland geography, Northern location, and Alpine elevation, Switzerland takes the top spot. It’s also ranked 10th for preparedness.
2. Norway
Norway’s existing high standard of living means the climate could get much hotter before people faced challenges with hunger or healthcare. It’s ranked 3rd for preparedness.
3. Czech Republic
Like Switzerland, Czechia benefits from its inland location. If you’re looking for a country to move to, and Switzerland is out of reach financially, the Czech Republic is much more affordable. It’s ranked 34th for preparedness.
4. Finland
Like Norway, Finland combines an extreme Northern location with a high amount of preparedness. Its biggest risk is flooding, especially in coastal Helsinki, but being the 5th-most prepared country helps mitigate that risk.
5. United Kingdom
Despite being an island, the UK’s Northern location makes it less vulnerable than you might expect. Its biggest challenges are its high urban density, dam capacity, and agriculture capacity. It’s ranked 15th for preparedness.
6. Germany
Germany’s spacious and mountainous geography in Northwestern Europe makes it less vulnerable than warmer countries. Changing flood hazards could affect the country, though. It’s ranked 11th for preparedness.
7. Austria
Austria fares similarly to its neighbor Germany, with a possible increased risk of flooding in future, but the hills are alive with the sound of low vulnerability to climate change. The county is ranked 16th for preparedness.
7. (tie) Canada
Massive Canada is tied with tiny Austria for 7th-most vulnerable country, but certain parts of the country, like coastal Vancouver are more vulnerable. This year’s wildfires may also indicate a weakness in preparedness, where it’s ranked 20th.
9. New Zealand
Annual water runoff could affect future agriculture in New Zealand, but the country is well-positioned to adapt. It’s ranked 9th for preparedness.
10. Sweden
Sweden falls a little behind its Nordic neighbors in vulnerability, owing some to its higher population density in Stockholm as compared to Oslo or Helsinki. Still, it’s well-positioned to combat climate change, and it’s ranked 7th in preparedness.
11. Ireland
The Emerald Isle and its cool, foggy nature make it less vulnerable than many islands its size. Its dependence on imported energy is a risk, and it’s ranked 26th for preparedness.
12. Spain
Spain is the first entry on the list that’s a warm country with easy visa options for Americans. Its lower cost of living also makes it a strong draw for students, young families, and retirees. Climate change could affect its long-term ability to produce grains, and it’s ranked 42nd for preparedness.
13. Luxembourg
Tiny Luxembourg is less vulnerable than most countries to climate change, but it may need help with resources over time. It’s ranked 17th for preparedness.
14. France
Francophiles will delight to see France on the list. Like in many European countries, dam capacity and urban concentrations are risks. It’s ranked 19th for preparedness.
15. Slovenia
Slovenia has lots to offer Americans moving abroad. It’s ranked in the top 10% of all countries for both healthcare and safety. Add low vulnerability to climate change to that list. It’s ranked 25th for preparedness.
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