長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題34

Urban agriculture, the practice of growing food within cities, has emerged as a promising solution to multiple challenges facing modern urban environments. From rooftop gardens in New York to vertical farms in Singapore, cities worldwide are embracing this innovative approach to food production.
The benefits of urban agriculture extend far beyond simple food production. Studies show that urban farms can reduce a city's carbon footprint by up to 30% through decreased transportation costs and improved air quality. Additionally, these green spaces help regulate urban temperatures, reducing the heat island effect that makes cities significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
Perhaps most importantly, urban agriculture addresses food security concerns in densely populated areas. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of global food supply chains, prompting many cities to invest in local food production systems. Detroit, for example, has transformed over 1,400 vacant lots into productive urban farms, providing fresh produce to neighborhoods that previously lacked access to healthy food options.
However, challenges remain. Limited space, soil contamination, and high initial investment costs continue to hinder widespread adoption. Despite these obstacles, experts predict that urban agriculture will play an increasingly vital role in feeding the world's growing urban population, which is expected to reach 6.7 billion by 2050.