What have you done for the planet lately?

The world's nations gathered in Poland to wrangle over a deal to slash greenhouse gases, but citizens with a climate conscience are already pondering what they can do to atone for their sins of emission.

Some folks have more atoning to do than others.

In terms of volume, emerging giants such as China and India are now massive contributors to global warming, ranking first and fourth respectively in 2007, according to an expert assessment issued in September.

But, in per-capita terms, nothing beats the Western lifestyle for carbon pollution.

The average American or Australian pumps out more than twice as much carbon dioxide (CO2) as a European or Japanese, and four times as much as someone in Africa or continental Asia, according to UN figures.

But a growing number of people in rich countries, say experts, are starting to take the task of tackling climate change personally.

"I am completely convinced that there are going to be enough people demanding green products that we will see ways to reduce emissions," said Susan Solomon, a leading scientist in the Nobel-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). "The bottom line is that people care and are getting engaged."

Climate-aware consumers lay down insulation in the attic, install double-glazed windows, select energy efficient refrigerators or washing machines, even if this means paying a premium.

Many look for labels from green group such as the WWF certifying everyday products as eco-friendly.

Or they may switch to organic foods grown without the use of manufactured and carbon-intensive chemicals. And they eschew out-of-season fruits, flowers and vegetables that have been flown to their countries from half-way round the world.

Green guilt can also be assuaged by a dizzying array of carbon offsets.

PARIS, (AFP)