An Over Exaggerated Issue?

We hear about the issue of alternative fuels in many different forms. Often it is mentioned by car companies that are producing more fuel efficient cars or cars that run on electricity or ethanol. Other times we hear about it from politicians with opposing views regarding the subject which can also be filtered through the media. But but how significant do you guys think the related issues (global warming, pollution, etc.) really are? There are significant numbers of people that think the issues are over exaggerated, including influential politicians. Do car manufacturers simply take advantage of the increased awareness of fuel usage to sell more cars, selling us brand new, "bleeding-edge technology" cars? Do politicians focus on these issues to garner more support for themselves? Doesn't the world have more pressing issues like world hunger or raging wars?