Conversations In: Can a City Be Dense and Green?

"Conversations In" represents a novel platform designed to stimulate dynamic and insightful dialogues amongst researchers, policy makers and industry professionals. It invites concise contributions that either respond to existing discussions or introduce fresh perspectives on specific nuances within the broader theme of the collection. Each article aims to spark and contribute to meaningful debates.

For this “Conversations In” collection, we ask for contributions that address the question: Can a city be dense and green?

Cities around the world grapple with the dual challenges of accommodating growing populations while preserving and expanding natural spaces. As urban centers become denser, new questions emerge about the compatibility of high-density development and urban greening. Is it possible for cities to be both bustling and biodiverse? Can vertical living coexist with rich biodiversity?

This collection invites compelling opinion articles that explore the nuances, contradictions, and possibilities within this debate. We seek voices from across disciplines and backgrounds—urban planners, architects, landscape designers, environmentalists, policymakers, and engaged citizens—who can offer diverse perspectives on how, or whether, a dense and green city can be realized.

Each article submitted should be no more than 1,500 words and can include one table and/or figure. Authors should select the Opinion article type when submitting their manuscripts to this call. Whilst opinion pieces from groups of authors are welcome, we ask that researchers consider the value of individual dialogue within this article collection as well.

In recognition of the importance of this collection, waivers to Article Processing Charges are available to authors. Please reach out to the Editorial Office in advance of submitting at sustainable.cities@frontiersin.org for more information on how to access these waivers.

Please note, due to the topical nature of this theme, the journal is acting as overall host of the Topic. This ensures all potential authors across the spectrum of opinions on this theme feel welcomed to submit their pieces. Papers in this collection will be handled and reviewed by members of our permanent Editorial Board.

Keywords: Urban greening, urban density, urban biodiversity, sustainable cities

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.