The Least Vulnerable Countries Most Prepared for the Climate Crisis

Slovenia’s diverse climate profile means the country is vulnerable to different kinds of extreme weather events in different areas, namely from heat waves, forest fires, and drought conditions, as well as flooding during rainier parts of the year. This summer, Slovenia was struck with its largest forest fire on record near its border with Italy. The fire burned through 3,600 hectares (about 14 square miles) of land.

Japan and South Korea are the only two east Asian countries to make this list. But Japan is highly susceptible to major storms, like the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis that heavily damaged parts of centrally located Nagano District. Heat waves across the country in 2018 and 2019 hospitalized thousands while millions evacuated homes amid record rainfall in the same time, a reminder that even highly developed and wealthy countries are vulnerable to climate change.

The United States, a country responsible for the largest share of historical CO2 emissions and the second-highest emitter of the potent greenhouse gas today, is among the countries least vulnerable to the effects of global warming. However, extreme weather events, brutal droughts and heat waves, massive wildfires, and flooding, are expected to increase in frequency and impact.

The Netherlands is well-regarded for its ability to keep the North Sea at bay from flooding the 26% of the country that’s below sea level. It will need to amplify its water management efforts in the years to come as sea levels rise and storm surges intensify. More than half of the Netherlands is considered a flood risk. Rising temperature will pose additional challenges for the country’s important agricultural sector that exports both commodities like cereals and potatoes and specialty crops like produce and flower bulbs.

The climate of France is mostly temperate, with higher Alpine regions to the east and mild Mediterranean weather in its coastal south. Historical records show an increase in rainfall in the autumn and winter, and less rain in the summer months. Like other countries in the region, France is experiencing temperature changes that are trending toward more summer heat waves and warmer winters. France was struck with two major heat waves this past summer.