長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題28

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses the growing challenges of food security and environmental sustainability. By cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, this innovative method can produce fresh vegetables year-round regardless of climate conditions. Vertical farms use advanced LED lighting systems and hydroponic techniques, consuming up to 95% less water than traditional farming while eliminating the need for pesticides.
Recent studies indicate that a single vertical farm facility can yield the equivalent of 10-15 traditional farms on just one acre of land. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo have already implemented large-scale vertical farming projects, with Singapore producing 30% of its leafy vegetables through this method by 2023. The technology also reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions since produce is grown locally within urban areas.
Despite these advantages, vertical farming faces significant challenges, particularly high initial investment costs and substantial energy consumption for LED lighting. However, as technology advances and energy costs decrease, experts predict that vertical farming could transform urban food production and help feed the world's growing population in a more sustainable manner.