Book excerpt: Many believe that the world is entering a time of monumental historic change that will accelerate in the next five years. Our leaders need to be prepared to address life-altering events such as a rapid climate change, a severe restriction of the oil supply, a tipping point in the global financial system, a bird flu epidemic, or a new level of sophistication among terrorists, argues noted futurist John Petersen in this timely and insightful essay. A Vision for 2012 shows how the effectiveness of the new administration that takes office in 2009, and the future of the nation, depends upon whether our leaders grasp the extraordinary significance of what lies ahead.