YIMBY Pod – formerly The Abundance Agenda Some actual good news for once!
Mar 2, 2026
Chris Lintott, Oxford astrophysicist and presenter of The Sky at Night, warns about looming UK science funding cuts and champions curiosity-driven research. The conversation covers threats to astronomy jobs and capacity. They also spotlight Cornwall’s lithium and geothermal potential and the long-awaited pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cornwall Could Be A Domestic Lithium And Geothermal Powerhouse
- Cornwall may become a domestic lithium and geothermal hub by extracting high-grade lithium from hot brine three to four miles underground.
- Cornish Lithium and Geothermal Engineering found exceptional lithium grades and can use extracted geothermal heat to power extraction, potentially supplying batteries for ~250,000 EVs per year from one site.
Local Lithium Supply Is National Security
- Securing local supplies of battery minerals is a national security issue because China currently dominates the lithium and battery supply chain.
- UK aims to produce 35,000 tonnes of lithium annually by 2035 to reduce reliance on external suppliers.
TfL Control Finally Enables Oxford Street Pedestrianisation
- Pedestrianising Oxford Street was blocked for years because Westminster Council controlled the road and feared local displacement effects.
- Re-designation to Transport for London in September last year removed that veto, clearing the way to pedestrianise west of Oxford Circus.
