'Trouble is the assumption of their usage by malevolent actors gets in the way of understanding.' - I think that's it, basically the difference between small-s science and The Science, which is the rhetorical cudgel used by the elites to enforce their chosen policies. The search for truth is wrecked as soon as it becomes politicised. With covid, I'd say that was true of both the libertarian response (minimising the risks, protecting corporate interests above public health) and the liberal authoritarian response (exaggerating the risks, enacting population control, lockdowns, mandates 'for your own good') - neither presented an honest picture and both were driven by ulterior motives hidden behind a pretence of care.
'Climate change is real. To assume that it is not real because of distrust of the PTB is mad.' - Well yes, but you can see how people get there. It'll only get worse as the policies that do get put in place (invariably those which don't harm capitalism) harm the poor while leaving the wealthy relatively untouched. Right wing outlets instantly started likening govt advice to stay indoors during last summer's heatwave to a 'climate lockdown'. And we've seen the reaction to Macron's fuel tax and the attacks on Dutch farmers.
I think we're going to see a lot of people ignoring the evidence of their own eyes in the years & decades to come because it doesn't fit with their politics. It will test the Upton Sinclair maxim to breaking point, I fear, especially since it's not just peoples' employment governing their thinking, but their entire identity - even among those who view themselves as oppositional to the dominant culture.