Mapping the Future

The CSIS Global Strategy Institute has released a new website "mapping the future" for the the years 2008 through 2012 identifying major upcoming events in seven categories. (that's known or anticipated events, mind you)

You can click on the map nodes to see a write-up w/links.

It's not all that earth-shattering as far as future projections go, but there are some noteworthy items in there. I found it interesting that they included the end of the "Long Count" cycle in the Mayan calendar in 2012. Perhaps one could infer some sort of pattern from the whole. Perhaps it was just cobbled up by an intern bucking for a full-time position.

From the GSI blog:

This map is the CSIS Global Strategy Institute’s modest attempt to help us all elevate our thinking beyond today’s headlines and to anticipate the competing obstacles and opportunities we can expect to navigate in the future. As we retreat to higher ground, our hope is to gain clarity and a sense of direction for the years ahead

Retreat to higher ground? Is that because of ocean levels rising or is there some sort of metaphor there that I'm totally missing?

Maybe it's CSIS code-talk for some sort of Continuity of Government program.