Here Are the Best Countries to Move to Thanks to Climate Change
By Jen Barnett, Co-founder, Expatsi
November 14, 2023 · Updated October 31, 2025 · 5 min read
Harrowing climate change disasters like the Hawaii wildfires or ongoing periods of extreme temperatures like what people faced over the 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
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Thanks to its inland geography, Northern location, and Alpine elevation, Switzerland takes the top spot. It’s also ranked 10th for preparedness. Consider Geneva for your destination.
2. Norway
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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
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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
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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.
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5. United Kingdom
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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. Consider Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, or London.
6. Germany
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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. Check out Berlin, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf for starters.
7. Austria
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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. Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz are worth considering.
7. (tie) Canada
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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. Get away from the coast by checking out Montreal, Calgary, or Winnipeg.
9. New Zealand
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Annual water runoff could affect future agriculture in New Zealand, but the country is well-positioned to adapt. It’s ranked 9th for preparedness. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton are in-demand among investor and skilled work visa holders.
11. Ireland
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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. Take a closer look at Dublin, Cork, and Limerick to see which locale fits your needs.
12. Spain
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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.
Expatsi has multiple scouting trip itineraries in the country. Malaga, Valencia, and Bilbao are among the cities we'll show you.
13. Luxembourg
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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. Consider Luxembourg City and Larochette to start building your expat community.
15. Slovenia
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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. Ljubljana, Kranj, Piran and Maribor are all worth your time when picking a new home.
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