Good question MG.

I will take a stab at the answer.
Controlling the causes of climate change will require government action, and "conservatives" hate that. What we call "conservative" in the US is really "defenders of bu$ine$$". Because we have a fossil fuel economy, there is a lot of money in the fossil fuel industries. These industries, knowing the truth in their heart of hearts (yes, I know some will say they do not have hearts), have decided that it is good business to wring the last drops out of fossil fuels rahter than invest in a transition to an economy based on some other energy source. This is very short sighted. they are maximizing their own lifestyle, by borrowing against the lifestyle of coming generations, but there it is. So, to facilitate this clinging to the old economy, they have hugely bought-off politicians - mostly "conservatives" - who now are monstrously beholden to the fossil fuel industry, so they MUST deny any science that might jeopardize their political lifeline.
Now comes the tricky part.... People who are not wealthy, and can expect no payday from the fossil fuel industry have been taught to listen to the spokespeople for the politicians who have been bought-off by fossil fuels. So, the fabulously wealthy gas bags repeat the talking points that are fed to the bought politicians by the wealthy but dying fossil fuel industry, and because they tie "freedom from government" to other hot button, but completely unrelated, issues like "God, Guns, Gays, Libruls, and the Cultural Elite", people who have absolutely zero stake in fossil fuels are compelled to go along. And they find huge validation on "conservative" blogs and "conservative" radio, etc. All the time not realizing what total pawns they are and how thoroughly they are jeopardizing their own futures, while making people (who do not care one flippin' shit for them) tremendously wealthy.

It is no coincidence that the American Enterprise Institute has been offering a $10,000 reward to any scientist who will publish a paper that disputes the concensus. No shit. They really do. Look it up. Don't believe me. Then look up who funds that Institute.