Transforming Extreme Heat into Opportunity: A Systems Resilience Framework for Health and Energy in the UK and Japan

As climate change intensifies, extreme heat is emerging as a systemic threat with cascading effects across health, energy, and infrastructure systems. This study adopts a systems resilience framework to explore how societies can transform this risk into an opportunity for innovation and adaptation. Focusing on the United Kingdom and Japan, we analyse the converging crises affecting urban and rural populations, with special attention to vulnerable groups and mental health risks. By comparing national policies, technological innovations, and community-based strategies, this paper identifies cross-national insights and demonstrates the value of systems thinking. Findings emphasize the need for integrated responses that prioritize equity, co-produced policy, and alignment with climate mitigation goals such as the UK’s Net Zero target. While extreme heat presents urgent challenges, it also offers a unique opportunity for systemic transformation—if resilience is designed with intention.