Note from My Desk: The more I listen to debates about climate change and immigration, the more they begin to sound like policy Mad Libs

The recent heat wave has me thinking about the similarity between climate change and immigration rhetoric.

I have never been a “climate change denier,” or whatever anti-science slur people use to shut down disagreement. I do, however, have questions about the precise extent of human responsibility, the reliability of certain predictions and, most importantly, which policies would actually help.

That is not denial. It is what public policy is supposed to involve.

And the more I listen to debates about climate change and immigration, the more they begin to sound like policy Mad Libs:

This problem is real and threatens our health, safety and continued existence. We must act now. Here is one terrifying statistic, stripped of context, to frighten you into supporting my preferred policy. If you disagree, you are not merely mistaken; you are personally complicit in catastrophe.

Just insert “climate change” or “immigration,” depending on the speaker.

The underlying problems are real. There is substantial evidence that global warming poses serious risks. There is also substantial evidence that large-scale immigration is creating political, financial, and social pressures in parts of the West.

We can disagree about root causes. We can ask whether a proposed solution would work, what it would cost and what unintended consequences it might create.

Telling ordinary people not to use air conditioning during a dangerous heat wave because their individual consumption is destroying the planet is not serious climate policy. Telling people they are likely to be assaulted by an immigrant the moment they leave home is not serious immigration policy.

Neither helps the public understand risk or evaluate solutions.

Good policy communications is not about frightening people until they surrender their judgment. It is about persuading them that your preferred solution is proportionate, workable and grounded in reality.

Speak to people like adults, and make the case for your solution.

The truth may be less dramatic than catastrophe rhetoric, but it is a much stronger foundation for lasting public support.

Hot, hot summer in Paris