長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題49

Urban vertical farming represents a revolutionary approach to agriculture that addresses the growing challenges of food security in densely populated cities. This innovative method involves cultivating crops in vertically stacked layers within controlled indoor environments, typically using hydroponic or aeroponic systems instead of traditional soil.
The benefits of vertical farming are substantial. First, it requires 95% less water than conventional farming through precise nutrient delivery systems. Second, crops can be grown year-round regardless of weather conditions, resulting in yields up to 390 times higher per square foot compared to traditional farming. Additionally, the controlled environment eliminates the need for pesticides and reduces transportation costs since farms can be located directly within urban areas.
However, vertical farming faces significant challenges. The initial setup costs are extremely high, often requiring millions of dollars in investment. Energy consumption is another major concern, as LED lighting systems consume substantial electricity to replace natural sunlight. Critics argue that the high energy costs make vertical farming economically unsustainable for many crops.
Despite these obstacles, several major cities including Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have successfully implemented large-scale vertical farming projects. As technology advances and costs decrease, vertical farming may become a crucial solution for feeding the world's growing urban population, which is expected to reach 68% by 2050.