The Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes the likelihood of a global catastrophe, is ticking closer to disaster. In light of this, researchers from the Risk Analysis Journal have published a study comparing 38 island countries on 13 factors that could predict success as a post-nuclear apocalypse survival state.
Researchers wrote there would “likely be pockets of survivors around the planet in even the most severe” scenario. Those in the most resilient nations stand the best chance of avoiding a pre-industrial collapse, as reported by the Guardian.
Australia emerged as the top pick, with the study citing its relatively strong infrastructure, energy surplus and massive food supply as potential factors for feeding tens of millions of extra people. However, researchers did note that Australia’s close military ties with the West could make the country a potential target in a nuclear war.
Nuclear-free New Zealand was also a top pick due to its remote location and oceanic surroundings, which could protect it from extreme temperatures. Other countries highlighted as safe options to reboot civilization in the aftermath of a global collapse include Iceland, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
