New developments and future challenges in reducing and controlling heat island effect in urban areas

The collection of research conducted over the past decade on urban heat islands and its mitigation strategies reflects the new approaches of scientists, researchers, and government agencies on urban design and planning about the intensity of urban heat islands and their impact on urban texture. This study aims to analyze the trend of research on urban heat islands and strategies to reduce them during the last decade (2010-2020). This review has prepared from 91 research studies and evaluated the main measures to reduce the urban heat island that is commonly used today. In addition, the distribution based on the Koppen-Geiger climate classification, the review of different methodologies, and the funding of research has also been evaluated. Analysis has revealed that studies in humid subtropical (Cfa), hot summer Mediterranean (Csa), and temperate oceanic (Cfb) climates have the largest share among other climatic regions that some measures (urban parks, urban trees, green roofs) have played a critical role for researchers and policy makers more than other influential factors in reducing urban heat islands. It is also noticeable that the relative share of research provided in the four main groups of mitigation measures is almost the same; this similarity can be interpreted to support the argument that lack of funding does not have a significant effect on some mitigation measures.

Automated summary

The collection of research conducted over the past decade on urban heat islands and their mitigation strategies reflects new approaches in urban design and planning. Studies in humid subtropical, hot summer Mediterranean, and temperate oceanic climates have the largest share in researching ways to reduce urban heat islands. Measures such as urban parks, urban trees, and green roofs have played a critical role in mitigating urban heat islands.