Hollywood has dedicated an entire genre to apocalyptic events. Whether it’s destruction by an alien invasion or our planet being overrun by zombies, we’ve all spent an embarrassing amount of time contemplating just what we would do or need if a zombie apocalypse were to rock our world.
The United States has always been typecast as the country that’s most likely to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, but researchers are confirming what we already knew – America is not the go-to hideout spot. In fact, using data from the University of Notre Dame’s Global Adaptation Initiative, researchers were able to pinpoint exactly which countries would be the best places to call home when anarchy ensues.
These countries were graded based on the following criteria, reports Business Insider.
- Carrying capacity: Farming equals food, so making sure that the country is able to sustain a considerable amount of people is crucial.
- Self-sufficiency: When the aliens come-a-knocking, making sure that they won’t be messing with our electricity is another important point. Having a renewable energy source that can sustain high populated areas is a big yes.
- Isolation: Who knew being alone could count in your favour! Countries that are further from highly populated areas are a perfect place to set up your bunker.
So just what are the countries that could withstand global collapse? Or as co-authors, Nick King and Aled Jones put it, “de-complexification.” Here’s a look at the five locations you should be heading to when things start going downhill.
New Zealand
There’s no question that climate change has become a real issue, so where does one go when the world starts to heat up? New Zealand, of course! This island is naturally cooler than many parts of the world, making it a great destination when climate change makes things a little steamier. Nearly 40% of the country’s main energy supply is from renewable energy, ensuring that some form of electricity is available during the apocalypse – yippie!
Iceland
Tons of tourists flock to Iceland for its mesmerising hot springs and geothermal properties, but this is a handy tool to have in a post-apocalyptic world. This remote island is rich in natural and renewable energy sources thanks to its geothermal and hydroelectric power plants, which helps grow nearly half of the island’s produce.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a great destination when escaping an apocalyptic event. Large areas of land dedicated to farmland and cooler temperatures make it an excellent choice when rebuilding society. Another upside is that it doesn’t often see major natural disasters but could lose a few points when looking at its energy source and land area. Limited land could make it difficult for survivors to cruise on over to the UK, and with the main energy source being fossil fuels and nuclear power generation, another drawback could be on the cards when attempting to stay warm during an apocalypse.
Australia
Australia is massive and is the only continent on this list. Its extensive landmass makes it a prime destination for survivors on the hunt for a new home. Different regions also offer contrasting climates, which makes animal biodiversity and agriculture ideal.
Ireland
A combination of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, this region has the perfect climate when looking for fertile soil – great for growing veggies. A third of Ireland’s energy comes from renewable sources, with more clean initiatives on the horizon. Based on this, there’s no question that Ireland is a promising spot for a doomsday bunker!
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