I agree with much of what you say, ricS, it is part of the human condition to predict gloom and doom, and these days you have to do it through science to reach the largest audience.

I am, perhaps more cynical of goverments. I beleive most war to be financially motivated.
If global warming is being falsely promoted, there will be a financial incentive.

More tax on fuel, because it is bad for the environment is one of many possible incentives to falsely promote climate change.

"The written word is a lie"