長文読解（人文系・自然科学系の文章）- 問題84

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 indoor environments within cities. Unlike traditional farming, vertical farms use advanced technologies such as LED lighting, hydroponic systems, and climate control to optimize plant growth year-round.
The benefits of vertical farming are substantial. These facilities can produce up to 390 times more crops per square foot compared to traditional farming methods. They use 95% less water through efficient recycling systems and eliminate the need for pesticides. Additionally, vertical farms can operate 365 days a year, unaffected by weather conditions or seasonal changes.
However, vertical farming faces significant challenges. The initial setup costs are extremely high, with some facilities requiring investments of millions of dollars. Energy consumption is also a major concern, as LED lights and climate control systems consume large amounts of electricity. Critics argue that the current energy requirements make vertical farming less environmentally sustainable than initially hoped.
Despite these obstacles, many experts believe vertical farming will play a crucial role in feeding the world's growing urban population, which is expected to reach 6.7 billion by 2050.