It depends what you're afraid of really though doesn't it? Lets look at some of the proposed solutions to climate change:
1. Increased use of renewable energy - You may think that the oil companies are big, but in fact most of the oil is in the hands of governments, many of whom are more than happy to use their new found international clout for political means. Do some research on Russia and how they regularly switch off energy supplies to countries that don't curry favour with them. Venezuala are trying to build up a large socialist alliance in South America. Iran, well everyone knows about Iran. The notion that we should be looking at alternative to fossil fuels is a no brainer both from a security point of view and a climate point of view.
2. Improved energy efficiency. This is another no brainer for me. Energy efficiency gains enable us to do much more with less. It's widely reported that something as simple as switching every light bulb in the world to low energy versions would cut global usage by around 10%. You use less energy, you save money. It's not rocket science.
They're the obvious ones, both getting cleaner energy and using the energy we do have more efficiently. Both are no brainers as they should be done regardless of any climate concerns.
But of course then you have the government sticking its beak into it. I suspect in large parts that this is where any animosity and suspicion comes from. There are numerous opportunities for enlightened governments to offer what are known as feebates on environmental issues. The basic principal is that you set your target level of something, lets say energy usage per capita or carbon emissions or waste or whatever. You go over the limit, you pay. You go under the limit and they pay you. Simple really and it doesn't cost anything because the sinners pay for the saints. Unfortunately governments seem keen to punish the sinners but not so keen on rewarding the saints. Hence we have suspicion that many green tax drives are simply there to raise money, and to be honest with some justification.
I suspect the other main sticking point for the average Joe is the rather pious attitude of some environmentalists who believe that the only change liable to work is a major change in how we live our lives. Everything from the food we eat to the places we go on holiday have to be looked at from a green point of view. Alas I don't personally believe that the environment is a key priority for most, and indeed me, with things such as education, employment, health etc. all taking priority. This is where the feebate system could come in because it plays into the base desire of us all to make money.
My two penneth anyway. There's a range of opinion on the forum in my sig if people wanted to read any of it (and by range I mean we're not all string vest wearing hippies
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