Urban Agriculture Can Resolve Cities’ Climate Change Woes

When we think about agriculture, we often picture rural landscapes with expansive fields or small country gardens. Yet, as more people relocate to cities, the need for fresh, locally grown food will continue to rise.

According to the United Nations, 68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050. This urban migration trend will put enormous pressure on food supply chains, making urban agriculture a critical component of future food security.

Urban agriculture has become increasingly popular. Urban agriculture, farms, or gardens are a great way to provide fresh and local food to city residents and bring nature back into the cities. Aside from the obvious benefits of giving food to the city residents, urban agriculture has many advantages.

If taken to the next level, it could become a more sustainable solution to cities’ many problems, from urbanisation, water scarcity, severe heat (urban heat island effect), pollution, impacts from extreme events, and climate change.

Urban agriculture comes in two types – community gardens and professional urban farms. Community farms are smaller and more common in cities, where residents come together and grow their vegetables, share produce, and socialise. They usually use public spaces, schools, backyards, and rooftop gardens. Professional urban farms, on the other hand, are agricultural businesses located within the city. Some use urban farming technologies like vertical farming methods, hydroponics, LED grow lights, solar panels, and smart (drip) irrigation systems.

Below is an infographic from a 2016 John Hopkins Center for a Livable Future study that comprehensively reviews urban agriculture’s benefits and limitations.

The study highlights the many advantages of urban agriculture. It fosters social connections within communities, builds social capital, and offers educational opportunities.

Additionally, it drives community growth and economic development while boosting the health and well-being of residents. It also provides valuable ecosystem services like increasing biodiversity, reducing air pollution, improving rainwater drainage, and recycling organic waste.

Other benefits include helping to combat climate change by lowering greenhouse gas emissions related to food transport, enhancing carbon storage, and reducing the energy and resources needed for food production.

Urban agriculture addresses two crucial issues – farming efficiency and water-efficient practices

According to an article by Robert C. Brears, around the world, the urban farming market is expected to grow from $137.5 billion in 2021 to $281.9 billion in 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. These foods grown in city farms and areas are sold at farmer’s markets, restaurants, shops, or grocery stores. But beyond the economic opportunity that urban farms present, the technology applied in urban farming improves farming efficiency and water-efficient practices.

Ensuring the plants receive the optimal light, nutrients, and water they need increases food production while minimising resource use and environmental impact. For example, a vertical farming system—uses up to 99% less water than traditional farming. With the ability to automate hydration and nutrient levels, urban farms can maximise yields with fewer resources, making them an ideal solution for the cities of the future.

The future of urban farming is promising and critical for addressing the challenges of urbanisation, climate change, land and water scarcity, pollution, and the need for more sustainable food production and water management practices.

With technological advancements and support from community and government policy, urban agriculture can be pivotal in addressing the pressing issues we face today and in the future while creating more resilient, healthier, and environmentally friendly urban areas.

Click the “Sources” links below to learn more about Urban Agriculture.