ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book begins with one of the most critical aspects of China's changing economy, namely the shifts produced by rising labour costs. The central theme is that China is facing massive challenges resulting in large part from its rapid economic growth, and is taking steps to rebalance its economy and society. In order for China to achieve sustained economic growth and social improvement, it must undertake serious policy changes. The book looks at a specific framework for dealing with China's pollution problems, namely the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a flexible market mechanism set out under the Kyoto Protocol. It examines rural education in China and Australia, and finds distinct commonalities, key among which is the exodus of rural youth to the urban centres and the impact of this on rural communities.
