Fossil fuel advertising contracts at all-time high in 2026
In year of extreme weather, ad agencies found to be building Big Oil’s image as integral to family life and security
TL;DR
- Fossil fuel companies significantly increased their advertising and PR contracts in 2026, reaching an all-time high.
- This occurred during a year of extreme weather and intensified global energy shortages, leading to higher oil and gas prices and profits for companies.
- Advertising campaigns focused on connecting fossil fuels to themes of family, faith, cultural events, and national economic prosperity.
- Major advertising companies like Omnicom, WPP, and Publicis maintained numerous contracts with the fossil fuel industry, even as they acknowledged climate risks in their reports.
- In the global south, campaigns often tied fossil fuel companies to family life and cultural events, while in the US, UK, and Europe, connections were made to national economic prosperity and expansion.
- The Advertising Association stated that fossil fuel advertising is a small part of UK ad spend and is subject to strict regulations to prevent misleading consumers and greenwashing.