Abstract
This review highlights the escalating challenges of outdoor thermal discomfort and urban heat islands due to urbanization and climate change, impacting sustainability and health. Analyzing global research trends, it reveals methodological differences between Chinese and Western scholars, with the former focusing more on quantitative analysis and the latter on diverse approaches including adaptation strategies. It underscores the importance of using emerging technologies like GIS, AI, and remote sensing for precise mapping, scenario modeling, and environmental monitoring. These tools offer innovative, data-driven solutions for urban planning, essential for addressing thermal impacts. The paper calls for enhanced Sino-Western cooperation and interdisciplinary research to develop context-specific, sustainable strategies for improving urban thermal environments.