[cycleguy55]

Although 97 percent of climate scientists insist climate change is real and caused by human actions, 56 percent of Republicans in Congress deny these atmospheric changes, according to Think Progress. Some conservative commentators have gone so far as to describe climate change as a "hoax."

Yet the facts are undeniable. Sea levels and global temperatures are rising (this year is on track to become the hottest on record), glaciers are melting, and ice sheets are shrinking at unprecedented rates. CO2 levels have also shot up dramatically since the Industrial Revolution -- suggesting these events are very likely a product of human activities.

"Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal," the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has declared.

How is it possible to deny this overwhelming evidence that global warming is real and humans contribute to it?

For starters, many leaders and corporations -- such as ExxonMobile -- have a strong financial incentive to ignore the facts. But there are many other subtle reasons why people might turn a blind eye to research. Here's what social scientists have to say about the psychology of climate change deniers.

• They seek out information that confirms their beliefs -- and ignore anything that challenges them.
• They don't trust scientists, and listen instead to high-profile skeptics.
• They get stuck in "echo chambers."

More detail at Why Some Conservatives Can't Accept That Climate Change Is Real