Why do people reject science when the consequences of doing so are so severe with respect to climate change?

I can't understand why Republicans and others in politics reject the work of science even after all the scientific community has done for us as a nation. The areas where this community has been correct are overwhelming. Is this really a socioeconomic question if those in charge listen to what is now considered a fact of the modern world. They risk change which may cost them power, money and validity which they can never recover from? Or is this a religious question and does this issue threaten the Davine right of man to dominate the earth as it says in the bible? Is Joseph Campbell right? do we need a new religion that place respect for the earth at its core. The three Abrahmic religions are us versus them and us versus nature. Do these notions have to begin to decline before we cam deal with this issue? And will it be too late? How can one rationalize a planet with 7 Billion people on it, more than have ever lived here before, expect things to continue without repercussions?