The Role of Urban Green Spaces in Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect: A Systematic Review from the Perspective of Types and Mechanisms

Haoqiu Lin and Xun Li ()
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Haoqiu Lin: Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China
Xun Li: Department of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University, Zhuhai 519087, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-26

Abstract: Due to rising temperatures, energy use, and thermal discomfort, urban heat islands (UHIs) pose a serious environmental threat to urban sustainability. This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature on various forms of green infrastructure and their mechanisms for mitigating UHI effects, and the function of urban green spaces (UGSs) in reducing the impact of UHI. In connection with urban parks, green roofs, street trees, vertical greenery systems, and community gardens, important mechanisms, including shade, evapotranspiration, albedo change, and ventilation, are investigated. This study emphasizes how well these strategies work to lower city temperatures, enhance air quality, and encourage thermal comfort. For instance, the findings show that green areas, including parks, green roofs, and street trees, can lower air and surface temperatures by as much as 5 °C. However, the efficiency of cooling varies depending on plant density and spatial distribution. While green roofs and vertical greenery systems offer localized cooling in high-density urban settings, urban forests and green corridors offer thermal benefits on a larger scale. To maximize their cooling capacity and improve urban resilience to climate change, the assessment emphasizes the necessity of integrating UGS solutions into urban planning. To improve the implementation and efficacy of green spaces, future research should concentrate on policy frameworks and cutting-edge technology such as remote sensing.

Keywords: urban heat island; urban green spaces; climate resilience; sustainable urban planning; heat mitigation strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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