Abstract: The regulative function of green quantity in urban thermal environment is an important topic in urban studies. Here, we reviewed the concepts and developments of green quantity, the measurements of green quantity and urban thermal environment, the relevance between green quantity and urban thermal environment, and its implications for urban planning. After summarizing domestic and international research processes, we put forward four prospective directions: 1) improving the methods for three-dimensional investigation of green quantity, 2) developing means for urban thermal environment monitoring and forecasting, 3) establishing an index system for three-dimensional pattern of urban green quantity, and 4) creating three-dimensional analytical methods to quantify the relationship between green quantity and urban thermal environment. It was expected to provide a three-dimensional spatial perspective for exploring the relevance between green quantity and urban thermal environment. It was proposed to deeply examine three-dimensional patterns of urban green quantity, in order to balance urban thermal environment and multiple ecological benefits, and to provide scientific basis for urban green space planning and design, as well as to form theoretical supports for adaptation to climate change and regulation of urban thermal environments.

Key words: green space, urban forest, urban heat island effect, thermal comfort, temperature reduction