• USA Today, Friday, June 22, 2007 11:30 AM

Eco-marketing is a hot topic of discussion at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival this year and today, former vice president Al Gore will speak about what advertisers and ad agencies can do to raise awareness of global warming.

The popularity of Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," along with an increased emphasis on climate issues in schools, are two factors fueling consumer interest in the green movement, says Allen Adamson, managing director at branding agency Landor Associates. That has companies taking action--from buying alternative energy credits to reducing plastic packaging to donating loads of money to Earth-friendly charities.

Marketers are also spending to let people know about their goods, services and events that relate to the environment. In the three months ending June 14, they shelled out a combined $18 million on green-focused TV ads, ranging from Earth Day sales promotions to commercials for hybrid cars, according to TNS Media Intelligence.

Read the whole story at USA Today »