I almost became an academic, so let me address the first half. > "It doesn't actually benefit anyone to convince people that anthropogenic climate change exist

I almost became an academic, so let me address the first half. > "It doesn't actually benefit anyone to convince people that anthropogenic climate change exists unless anthropogenic climate change actually exists." Young associate professors have four years to make tenure. It's easier to get funding and get published if you espouse a cause. It makes your work seem 'important' to reviewers. Scientists have a significant (10-20%) probability of getting invested in an ideology in the process of seeking tenure. I agree with the second half.