Issue (WIWE) status: Submitted, Unpublished

Weak Signal's progress: Fully-fledged

This Weak Signal came from: 
European Commission Framework Programme for RTD

The theme/scheme related to this Weak Signal: 
Theme 6 - Environment (including Climate Change)

The sub-theme that best relates to this Weak Signal: 
Pressures on environment and climate

When did the Weak Signal manifest ? 
2005-now

Weak Signal's description: 

Advances in portable and autonomous greenhouse units are made, both in basic science and in deployment. These work on the ‘nano-generation’ principle of embedding solar panels and micro-fuel cells into construction materials and horticultural installations, to enable production of energy, water, hydrogen for motive power, and recycling of nutrients. The new technology is marketed heavily in agricultural regions subject to drought and desertification, such as the Mediterranean. However it seems likely that such industrialized horticulture can also hasten rural out-migration and abandonment of traditional farming landscapes.