I applaud your objectivity. The distrust issue is driven by events like the the late 1960's Population Bomb predictions, 1970's cooling predictions, 2006's An Inconvenient Truth now laughable predictions, 2009's climategate allegations, 2023's Judith Curry's interview, etc. Unsettled's author has a much more credible and applicable resume than his work in the Obama administration. His detailed knowledge of the UN' s IPCC process is worth reading on its own merit. The scientific method relies on constant questioning and there's no reason for dismissing and labeling knowledgable experts to marginalize their opinions. Earth's climate has always been changing and will continue to do so with or without humans. Reducing our carbon footprint is worth pursuing if it's connected to a well-researched and realistic global energy plan.