Reframing the Message on Climate Change

This Scientific American article takes a while to get to the point made by its headline, but has a great call to action for liberals to shape their message to appeal to the American mainstream.

I have previously made the point that liberal activists need to talk in ways that make sense to conservatives and the undecided middle.
This is much different from arguments explained in ways that make sense to other liberals.

Remember, liberals make choices based on evidence and fairness.  Conservatives make choices based on fear and emotions.  It is WAY easier to appeal to fear and emotions than to evidence and critical thinking.

So liberals need to find ways to frame their issues in terms of emotions and fear, and that fear needs to be personal, not general amorphous threats.  This is right out of a basic persuasion textbook.

It is certainly needed in climate change policy, and in many other issues as well.

This is far from a perfect example, but what hits you in the gut more?

"Millions of people who live in coastal regions will lose their homes due to rising sea level."

"Your children and grandchildren will have to pay way more taxes to resettle people whose cities will be flooded."

Again, not a perfect example, but you get the idea.  Don't depend on logic and evidence when you need threats, fear, and emotions.