長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題53

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 in repurposed buildings or specially designed structures. By utilizing advanced technologies such as LED lighting systems, hydroponic nutrient solutions, and climate control mechanisms, vertical farms can produce fresh vegetables and herbs year-round, independent of weather conditions.
The environmental benefits of vertical farming are substantial. These facilities use up to 95% less water than traditional farming through precise irrigation systems that recycle nutrients. Additionally, vertical farms eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides, producing completely organic crops. The proximity to urban consumers also reduces transportation costs and carbon emissions associated with food distribution.
However, vertical farming faces significant economic challenges. The initial investment costs are extremely high, with setup expenses ranging from $10 million to $40 million per facility. Energy consumption for LED lighting and climate control systems can account for 25-30% of operational costs. Despite these obstacles, major cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and New York have embraced vertical farming as a sustainable solution for urban food production, with over 200 commercial vertical farms operating worldwide as of 2023.