長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題102

Permaculture, a design philosophy that emerged in the 1970s, represents a revolutionary approach to sustainable living and agriculture. Developed by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in Australia, this system integrates permanent agriculture with permanent culture, creating self-sustaining ecosystems that work in harmony with natural processes.
The core principles of permaculture include observing and interacting with nature, catching and storing energy, and using renewable resources. Practitioners design landscapes that mimic natural ecosystems, incorporating diverse plants, animals, and microorganisms to create productive and resilient environments. For example, a permaculture garden might feature fruit trees providing shade for vegetables below, while nitrogen-fixing plants enrich the soil naturally.
Modern permaculture applications extend beyond agriculture to urban planning, water management, and community development. Cities worldwide are adopting permaculture principles to create green rooftops, community gardens, and sustainable neighborhoods. Research shows that permaculture systems can increase crop yields by 30-50% while reducing water usage and eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers.
As climate change intensifies, permaculture offers hope for creating resilient communities that can adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining food security and ecological balance.