Vertical Farming May Provide Future of Agriculture
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Researchers at Columbia University have set out to solve the impending sustenance crisis which will emerge due to population growth and a future shortage of irrigable land. By 2050, global population will increase by 3 billion. Currently, 80% of available farmland is in use. Clearly, a food shortage is eminent.
In efforts to solve this problem, Dickson Despommier, a professor in environmental science at Columbia University, has developed a plan to build vertical farming systems. These systems will act as greenhouses, but will be housed in skyscrapers. By taking advantage of existing forms of clean energy, including solar panels which will provide 24 hour light, and a NASA system of extracting water vapor from the air, the towers may be generally self-sustaining agriculture infrastructure. A single 21-story tower will produce the same output as 588 acres of land.
Dr. Despommier is currently marketing his idea to venture capital firms. The potential for this technology is unknown. However, should this prove an able alternative to farmland, the results could shake the foundations of population dispersion and rural life. Cities could become independent units, with little economic relationship with rural areas. Compounded with the fact that the majority of population growth occurs in cities, cities may see massive growth in area, swallowing up vacant rural lands once used for farming.
Farming Goes Vertical
In efforts to solve this problem, Dickson Despommier, a professor in environmental science at Columbia University, has developed a plan to build vertical farming systems. These systems will act as greenhouses, but will be housed in skyscrapers. By taking advantage of existing forms of clean energy, including solar panels which will provide 24 hour light, and a NASA system of extracting water vapor from the air, the towers may be generally self-sustaining agriculture infrastructure. A single 21-story tower will produce the same output as 588 acres of land.
Dr. Despommier is currently marketing his idea to venture capital firms. The potential for this technology is unknown. However, should this prove an able alternative to farmland, the results could shake the foundations of population dispersion and rural life. Cities could become independent units, with little economic relationship with rural areas. Compounded with the fact that the majority of population growth occurs in cities, cities may see massive growth in area, swallowing up vacant rural lands once used for farming.
Farming Goes Vertical
Labels: Advanced Energy
