The year is 2030 and the ‘Perfect Storm’ predicted by UK’s Chief Scientific advisor has hit earlier than expected. Global events and the increased demand for basic commodities have raised prices to an unsustainable rate, pricing many items well beyond the reach of the general population. To counter this and control inflation, the UK is now inward-looking and adopting protectionist policies.
The British economy has shifted from a largely knowledge-based to manufacturing and production-based economy for self-reliance. The standard of living for most has declined greatly and Human Development Index (HDI), lest the select few, has reached levels not seen since the pre-Victorian era. The rich and poor gap has widened to the point of permanence with only two classes of distinction: Upper Class (Upper and Upper Middle Class) and the Working Class (everyone else). Climate change has surpassed the point of no-return and a smoghas permanently descended on cities with rapid changes in extreme weather.
