The 18th International Congress of Biometeorology, ICB2008, was held in Tokyo, Japan. on 22-26 September 2008 The ICB2008 and the advances of biometeorological researches in recent years are summarized. The reports and discussions in ICB2008 indicate that the important issues of future biometeorology studies mainly include the following six aspects: (1) researches and applications in the realm of human biometeorology on the topics of heat health warning systems, medical meteorology, assessment of thermal stress and strain at work in outdoor climates, and medweather forecast; (2) the characteristics and assessment of urban climate, and the mitigation measurements; (3) the impacts of climate change on extreme weather and climate events; (4) the impacts of climate change on agriculture; (5) responses of animals to meteorological conditions and climate change; and (6) transboundary air pollutions and international environmental cooperation. Strengthening biometeorological research in China meets the needs of combating with climate change, humanoriented policy, and harmonious society, and could provide the scientific foundation and advisory for societal sustainable development.