China's Role in the Challenge for Global Sustainable Development

The social and environmental crises spawned by global capitalism renders sustainable development an ominous challenge for the entire world. These crises are occurring amidst a geopolitical context in which a shift in power from the nations of the North to the nations of the South will likely accelerate-and quite possibly usher in a new global economic order. China is playing a prominent role in this transition, and is well-positioned to take the lead in initiating a model for economic and social development that could help guide the world to a sustainable future.