The World in 2030

The World in 2030 309
child grow taller, be more handsome or beautiful, more
musically gifted or have a greater intellect. This is not yet
possible in 2007, but by 2030 it almost certainly will be
and whether or not such ‘treatment’ is being offered in the
developed world will depend upon each nation’s legislation
and regulation of the science.
It is tempting to believe that today’s widespread natural
repugnance at the concept of ‘designer babies’ will still be
the cultural norm in twenty-five years time. But futurologists
learn that public opinion can sometimes change quickly,
dramatically and in unexpected ways. For example, I recall
describing what we now know as ‘the surveillance society’ to
a British audience in the early 1980s. There was uproar and,
almost to a person, the audience members were appalled
at such a ‘Big Brother’ idea and all were certain that such a
thing would never be tolerated in the UK. Today, although
there are many vociferous critics of our mushrooming
surveillance infrastructure, the vast majority of people in
Britain are entirely content to be watched over. It is not even
an issue for any of the major political parties.
So it could be with genetic engineering and human
enhancements. At first the science will show the huge benefits
in eradicating disease and preventing it from occurring. The
advantages offered will be clear and the procedure simple.
For example, as The Times reported in 2007:
A pill that can correct a wide range of faulty genes
which cause crippling illnesses should be available
within three years, promising a revolution in the
treatment of thousands of conditions.