Unfortunately much of the problem rests squarely on the shoulders of the scientists  themselves. For years many climate scientists have said the " science is settled." Politicians can hardly be blamed for taking these scientists at their word and in an era of scarce resources switch from funding basic climate research toward adaptation and mitigation. There was always far too much hubris from many in the climate research community who were eager to stoke public concern with unproven and unqualified assertions all in an effort to get much needed funding for important science, when a more nuanced and balanced approach was needed stressing the need for further research.