長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題75

Urban beekeeping has emerged as a surprising solution to declining bee populations worldwide. Cities like London, New York, and Tokyo now host thousands of rooftop hives, transforming urban environments into unexpected sanctuaries for these essential pollinators. Research conducted by the University of London found that urban bees often produce more honey per hive than their rural counterparts, with city bees collecting nectar from diverse flowering plants in parks, gardens, and balconies.
The success of urban beekeeping stems from several factors. Urban areas provide year-round blooming cycles due to diverse plant species and microclimates created by buildings and human activity. Additionally, cities typically use fewer pesticides than agricultural areas, creating safer environments for bees. Modern urban beekeepers employ innovative techniques such as smart hive monitoring systems that track temperature, humidity, and bee activity through smartphone applications.
However, urban beekeeping faces unique challenges. Air pollution can affect bee health, and limited space requires careful hive placement to avoid conflicts with residents. Despite these obstacles, urban beekeeping programs have successfully educated thousands of people about bee conservation while producing local honey and supporting urban biodiversity. Many cities now integrate beekeeping into sustainability initiatives, recognizing its role in creating resilient urban ecosystems.