Final answer:
Climate change denial is influenced by complex factors including distrust in science, political and religious beliefs, and vested corporate interests. Motivated reasoning leads to selective acceptance of evidence, whilst misinformation and lack of scientific credentials among denial advocates fuel public skepticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, denials are influenced by various factors. Complicated climate science, distrust in science, religious beliefs, and political affiliations contribute to the dismissal of evidence. In particular, climate change denial is propagated by interests seeking to maintain the status quo, including corporations benefiting from fossil fuel policies. When assessing scientific opinions, it is noted that a vast majority of scientists agree on human-induced climate change, yet public perception is skewed due to misinformation. Psychological phenomena such as motivated reasoning also play a role, where evidence is selectively accepted to fit pre-existing beliefs or agendas.
This denial can lead to significant global consequences, such as the failure to ratify important climate agreements and a lack of support for policies to mitigate climate change. Organizations and media amplify unscientific claims, often driven by authors with no scientific credentials. Political and economic interests frequently influence public statements and policy-making, overshadowing scientific data. To combat denialism and misinformation, it is crucial to follow the evidence and understand the motivations behind climate change denial.