長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題17

Urban vertical farming has emerged as a revolutionary approach to sustainable agriculture in the 21st century. This innovative method involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled indoor environments such as warehouses or skyscrapers. By utilizing advanced technologies like LED lighting systems and hydroponic cultivation, vertical farms can produce food year-round while using up to 95% less water than traditional farming methods.
The environmental benefits of vertical farming are substantial. Since crops are grown indoors, there is no need for pesticides or herbicides, resulting in cleaner produce. Additionally, vertical farms can be established in urban areas, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food from rural farms to city consumers. A single vertical farm covering just one acre can produce the equivalent yield of 10-15 acres of traditional farmland.
However, challenges remain in widespread adoption. The initial setup costs for vertical farms can be extremely high, often reaching millions of dollars. Energy consumption is another concern, as LED lighting systems require substantial electricity to replace natural sunlight. Despite these obstacles, major cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have begun investing heavily in vertical farming infrastructure as a solution to food security and environmental sustainability.