長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題31

Urban vertical farming has emerged as a revolutionary approach to agriculture in the 21st century. This innovative method involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled environments such as warehouses or specially designed buildings. By utilizing advanced technologies like LED lighting, hydroponics, and climate control systems, vertical farms can produce food year-round regardless of weather conditions.
The benefits of vertical farming are significant. Studies show that these facilities can yield up to 390 times more crops per square foot compared to traditional farming methods. Additionally, vertical farms use 95% less water than conventional agriculture through precise nutrient delivery systems. This efficiency is crucial as the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, requiring a 70% increase in food production.
However, vertical farming faces challenges, particularly high energy costs due to artificial lighting requirements. Current LED technology consumes substantial electricity, making some crops economically unviable. Despite these obstacles, major cities like Singapore and Tokyo are investing heavily in vertical farming infrastructure to enhance food security and reduce dependence on imports.