In general, this bias towards preferring data that preserves the status quo vs data that tells us we need to be active in anticipating and mitigating future ris

In general, this bias towards preferring data that preserves the status quo vs data that tells us we need to be active in anticipating and mitigating future risks is 1) very human and 2) detrimental to long term success, regardless of the domain in question. I don't blame you for having doubts, and you're probably aware that scientists also have doubts. That doesn't mean they shouldn't do their work, and give us the best information they have with the tools at their disposal. Regarding climate change specifically, I make the point that we are seeing effects already because it neutralizes this line of reasoning entirely. This isn't about some future risk that we can see debated in academic journals of questionable provenance. This is about real effects that are happening today.