The Renewable Fuel Standard is a program passed by the US Congress mandating that oil refiners mix corn ethanol into gasoline, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, a recent study reveals that the RFS may have exacerbated emissions instead. The increased incentive to plant corn for ethanol caused widespread land use changes that converted large swathes of grasslands and forests into farmland. Clearing these areas released greenhouse gases that were trapped in the flora, possibly nullifying or reversing the reduced emissions the RFS had hoped to achieve. Read full article here
Oddities
Why Do Modern Pop Songs Have So Many Credited Writers?
The music industry has changed dramatically over the last few decades – with the number of songwriters credited on number one hits more than doubling. This is due to a combination of factors, including money, the computer and a changing definition of what songwriting is. For example, if The Beatles’ classic “I Feel Fine” was released today, it would likely have four writers credited instead of two, due to the influence of producers, samples and interpolations. With the rise of lawsuits, artists now preemptively add songwriter credits to their songs, even if the similarities between their song and the source material are coincidental. It all goes to show that the music industry is becoming more complex and competitive. Read full article here
Merv
March 29, 2023
