You would think that anywhere that is not an extreme would be a better choice to build a project from scratch that is supposed to be 'the most' sustainable but

You would think that anywhere that is not an extreme would be a better choice to build a project from scratch that is supposed to be 'the most' sustainable but also attractive. Perhaps this is a side-effect due to the state or country chosen, where there are no realistic alternatives? Even going to a more moderate location slightly farther away from the equator doesn't seem all that difficult vs. really sticking with a desert.