A Draft Proposal for Radical Lifestyle Reform to Reach Climate Goals

Abstract

This article addresses the urgent need for accelerated climate action by proposing a radical, digitally enforced lifestyle reform. The objective is to explore how individual consumption patterns can be reshaped through a global carbon quota system, enforced via a smartphone application. The methodology is conceptual and normative, grounded in existing climate data and aims to leverage capitalism’s own mechanisms to drive systemic change. The proposal includes calculating locally valid Total Lifecycle (TLC) emissions for all products and services, assigning personal CO₂ limits, and enabling global quota trading. The expected results include a gradual shift in consumer behaviour, redistribution of wealth, and a forced transformation of corporate product and service portfolios toward sustainability. The article concludes that while the proposal faces significant implementation challenges, it offers a bold framework for debate and innovation in climate policy.