ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the political implications of Buen Vivir as an alternative to Sustainable Development and examine how it may allow governments to position themselves to meet their global sustainability commitments and responsibilities – to rethink sustainability. Buen Vivir deconstructs old worldviews of sustainability and wellbeing and offers new ways of thinking. It offers the opportunity to rethink the way sustainability and wellbeing are currently approached in development. The ability for Sustainable Development’s original objectives to be attained has been duly criticised, especially in recent times with growing inequalities and increasing impacts of climate change globally. As opposed to Sustainable Development which has an accepted definition but contested principles, Buen Vivir is contested by its definition but has a set of core principles.
