A Systematic Review of Methodological Advances in Urban Heatwave Risk Assessment: Integrating Multi-Source Data and Hybrid Weighting Methods

Chang Xu, Ruihan Wei and Hui Tong ()
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Chang Xu: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
Ruihan Wei: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
Hui Tong: College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-21

Abstract: As climate change intensifies, urban populations face growing threats from frequent and severe heatwaves, underscoring the urgent need for advanced risk assessment frameworks to inform adaptation strategies. This systematic review synthesizes methodological innovations in urban heatwave risk assessment (2007–2024), analyzing 259 studies through bibliometric analysis (CiteSpace 6.4.R1) and multi-criteria evaluation. We propose the hazard–exposure–vulnerability–adaptability (HEVA) framework, an extension of Crichton’s risk triangle that integrates dynamic adaptability metrics and supports high-resolution spatial analysis for urban heatwave risk assessment. Our systematic review reveals three key methodological gaps: (1) Inconsistent indicator selection across studies; (2) limited analysis of microclimatic variations; (3) sparse integration of IoT- or satellite-based monitoring. The study offers practical solutions for enhancing assessment accuracy, including refined weighting methodologies and high-resolution spatial analysis techniques. We conclude by proposing a research agenda that prioritizes interdisciplinary approaches—bridging urban planning, climate science, and public health—while advocating for policy tools that address spatial inequities in heat risk exposure. These insights advance the development of more precise, actionable assessment systems to support climate-resilient urban development.

Keywords: urban heatwaves; risk assessment framework; multi-source data integration; hybrid weighting methods; vulnerability spatialization (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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