The more primitive and spread out the society, the more likely people would survive, albeit at a pre-industrial level. I'd say Russia (and possibly Canada, if it gets clobbered, too), would have the advantage here, because the US population has become heavily urbanized and dependent on the food/supply chain.
How will more primitive society survive a nuclear winter when plants and animals die off?
“...because the US population has become heavily urbanized and dependent on the food/supply chain...”
😀
A country boy can survive!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cQNkIrg-Tk
Rural Deep South, Appalachia, rural Texas, rural West...
The scariest book I’ve read in a while was “One Second After” by William Forstchen. It deals with survival in America after an EMP attack (no blast, no radiation, ALL circuitry fried). It’s a terrifying and I feel realistic scenario. Everything shut down immediately, most everyone starved or murdered within 90 days. Millions of tons of food rotting in fields or warehouses or on dead trucks while America starves. Geez, sounds like I’m describing the fourth year of the Biden administration.
A lot would depend on if only 4 to 6 population centers were targeted in Russia and US, or if massive strikes took place everywhere. I would like to know what level of bombing was calculated for the 13 degree temperature drop. With such a severe temperature drop much of Russia and Canada might become unsurvivably cold. The levels of food consumption to survive severe cold are far higher than those needed for “normal” living, typically set at 2,000 calories.
I just read about the failure of the Scott expedition in 1912 to return from the South Pole. It was calculated the 4 men would need 4,500 calories a day. In fact the need was at least 7,000 calories a day and they added one more person at the last minute. They literally starved and failed to make the last 11 miles to a food cache on the way back.
We cannot forget that large numbers of people would be sick and dying from radiation. Again the severity depending on how widespread was the bombing. Early survival would depend on being able to stay underground with a food and water supply for a while, while protecting resources. Fifty years ago my father’s brother was proudly showing off his brand new bomb shelter in Pennsylvania. My husband asked, “Let me see your weapons?” He fought in Korea. My uncle responded, “We don’t have any.” My husband then said, “Well how the heck do you expect to keep your food?” Dumb looks from that family.
My own survival strategy includes already having a 3 month supply of food, 2 firearms and ammunition. and a place in West Virginia with only a few neighbors. The vacant property next door has a root cellar dug into a hillside. Instant fall out shelter, enlarge it for winter living. In autumn gather many white oak acorns. I’m planting Ginco trees, from seeds at city property. They are edible. Plan to plant more nut trees and persimmons if we don’t go intercontinental nuclear over Ukraine. I would bring my extensive vitamin and mineral collection and trade medical knowledge and supplements for food. Tactical nuclear is the more likely nuclear option, if any?