An Australian earth scientist on Tuesday accused those "pseudo scientists" who deny the existence of man-made global warming, saying they were setting back by 20 years worldwide efforts to tackle climate change.

Andrew Glikson, from the Australian National University's Climate Change Institute, described those so-called experts from fields unrelated to climate as "pseudo scientists."

Glikson, a geologist with 45 years experience said "pseudo scientists" were continuing to undermine the efforts of national governments to arrest the effects of rising temperatures.

"There are obviously economic, political and ideological interests who don't wish to do anything with reducing emissions," Dr Glikson told Australia Associated Press in a public lecture, delivered in Canberra of Australia on Tuesday. "The fossil fuel industry is the biggest industry after the military."

He also accused those with "denial syndrome" of resorting to conspiracy theories.

"Despite its pseudo-scientific nature, climate change denial syndrome has succeeded in delaying required climate change mitigation by over 20 years," he said.

Dr Glikson also directed some blame at the media for publishing those "pseudo scientists" views.

United Nations talks in Cancun, Mexico concluded on Saturday, with a non-binding agreement on the world's major polluters to embark on deep emission cuts.