Is global warming real?

I work in a conservative environment, which doesn't mean necessarily that there are a lot of conservatives but rather there are a few very vocal conservatives.  I tend to keep out of political discussions at work and in general, but I saw an article and I've heard a good deal of talk at work about the idea that global warming/climate change is not real.  I don't know the basis of the argument, but the net result is global warming is not real so I can do what I want, drive what I want, consume what I want, etc.  My question is what difference does it make whether global warming is real?  Don't get me wrong I think global warming is very real and I'm all for changing our behavior as well as convincing others to change.  However, for those that want to continue denying whether global warming exists why not just look at the simple facts about efficiency?  Everyone likes to save money and that's what it comes down to.  Make your home more energy efficient, reduce your water consumption, make your car more efficient, etc.  So it doesn't matter to me if people want to change for the global climate or for their bank account.