But what drives all this is money. Scientists can get all sorts of grants if they come up with research projects for popular theories.

Chris has very nearly hit the bull's eye.  Follow the money to understand today's politics and sadly now some in science cater to the profitable also.   Responsible stewardship of the world and environment is a good thing; but, to taint good science and data to achieve favorable results and sway public opinion is bad, really really bad. 

Is there a current climate trend in rising temperatures?  Yes, probably.  Is it *"anthropogenic global warming (AGW)" * (being accelerated by the influence of man)?  That seems to be seriously questionable in light of the recent disclosures.  Personally, I think man is doing little to cause global temperature rise.  I think it is a natural cycle.    Will some beloved plant and animal species go extinct?  Yes, probably.  Can humans  adapt?  I hope so.

My personal thought experiment is the warming will continue.  The warming changes could cause  hiccups in tectonic plate movements resulting in increased volcanic activity.  The release of additional SO2 and ash will cause a cooling effect and the cycle starts anew.  Will any of us live long enough to confirm or disprove my theory?  NO.

Anyhow, back to the opening point.  The easiest way to get to the truth in the current discussion is to determine who has the most to gain monetarily and power-wise by selling anthropogenic global warming to the world's population.   ????   I don't know.  Maybe you can.  Think global and outside the envelop for this answer.

I now turn the soap box back to the better minds of this forum.