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The proliferation of assisted dying legislative reforms globally is a significant change in the social and medico‐legal landscape of end‐of‐life care. Understanding the impacts of these legislative reforms on family members who care for a dying person is vital, yet under‐theorised in research. In this article, drawing on semi‐structured interviews with 42 carers for a person who has sought assisted dying in Australia, and extending ideas of ontological choreography we explore the new and complex choreographies enacted by carers in their endeavour to arrange a ‘good death’ for the dying person. We find that desires to fulfil the dying person’s wishes are often accompanied by normative pressures, affective tensions and complexities in bereavement. Enacting assisted dying requires carers to perform a repertoire of highly‐staged practices. Yet, institutional obstacles and normative cultural scripts of dying can constrain carer assisted dying practices. Understanding the nuances of carers’ experiences and how they navigate this new end‐of‐life landscape, we argue, provides critical insights about how assisted dying legislation is producing new cultural touchpoints for caring at the end of life. Moreover, we show how emerging cultural scripts of assisted dying are impacting in the lives of these carers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the culture of silence that once surrounded cancer has gradually given way to greater public awareness, normative visions of what cancer survivorship should entail have proliferated. These visions emphasise positivity and perseverance in pursuit of cure. While these visions provide comfort to many, for people with metastatic cancer, the emphasis on cure can undermine their sense of belonging to the broader collective of people living with cancer. Drawing on semi‐structured interviews with 38 Australian women living with metastatic breast cancer, we explore how incurable cancer inflects understandings of self and transforms interpersonal relationships. Extending ideas around biosociality and belonging, we explore the tenuousness of social bonds, revealing how (in)visibility, (in)authenticity and (in)validation circulate within the daily lives of women with metastatic breast cancer. We conceptualise accounts according to four social bonds: (1) threatened bonds where a relationship is strained by misunderstanding, (2) severed bonds where a relationship is ruptured due to misunderstanding, (3) attuned bonds whereby a relationship is based on shared identification and (4) flexible social bonds when a relationship is based on mutual understanding. More broadly, we illustrate the persistence of normative visions of cancer survivorship and their enduring effects on those whom such visions exclude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the potential extension of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws in Victoria, Australia to include people with dementia. It discusses the ethical, philosophical, and social questions raised by this extension, such as defining eligibility criteria and assessing suffering in individuals with impaired decision-making capacity. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining the legitimacy and social consensus of the existing VAD framework and highlights the need for a balanced approach to avoid exacerbating social divisions. It suggests that a renewed social debate and a harmonized national legislative framework are necessary to address the challenges associated with VAD in dementia. [Extracted from the article]

Australia experiences some of the world's most variable rainfall. Previous studies have mostly focused on understanding rainfall variability in terms of frequency and intensity. However, understanding the timing of when extreme rainfall occurs is crucial for seasonal prediction, although it largely remains unexplored. Here we investigate the timing of extreme rainfall in Australia and the spatial variability of this timing. This study examines how some of the large‐scale drivers, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), determine the timing and interannual variability of the timing of extreme rainfall in Australia. Our results show that there is a clear spatial north–south delineation in the season when extreme rainfall occurs in Australia, shown by a contour diagonally extending roughly from 21°S in the west of Australia to 33°S in the east. North of this contour, extreme rainfall usually occurs in austral summer, with the smallest interannual variability in the timing of extreme rainfall in this region. In the south, extreme rainfall usually occurs in autumn/winter months; however, the timing is highly variable. In southeast Australia (SEA), extreme rainfall can fall at any time of the year, which makes seasonal prediction extremely challenging for this region. Both observation and reanalysis data show that the area where extreme rainfall occurs in summer extends further south during negative IPO years. We also find that IPO and ENSO phases, and the interaction between them, play significant roles in both determining the timing of extreme rainfall and constraining the interannual variability, especially in SEA. We focus on SEA for further analysis as this region shows the greatest shift in seasonality of extremes in response to large‐scale variability. We conclude that studying the relationship between rainfall and large‐scale drivers is important for verification and improvement of the seasonal prediction of extreme rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical simulations of models participating in the sixth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) are evaluated over 10 Australian regions for their performance in simulating extreme temperatures, among which three models with initial‐condition large ensembles (LEs) are used to estimate the effects of internal variability. Based on two observational data sets, the Australian Water Availability Project (AWAP) and the Berkeley Earth Surface Temperatures (BEST), we first analyze the models' abilities in simulating the probability distributions of daily maximum and minimum temperature (TX and TN), followed by the spatial patterns and temporal variations of the extreme indices, as defined by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). Overall, the CMIP6 models are comparable to CMIP5, with modest improvements shown in CMIP6. Compared to CMIP5, the CMIP6 ensemble tends to have narrower interquartile model ranges for some cold extremes, as well as narrower ensemble ranges in temporal trends for most indices. Over southeast, tropical, and southern regions, both CMIP ensembles generally exhibit relatively large deficiencies in simulating temperature extremes. We also confirm that internal variability can affect the trends of the extremes and there is uncertainty in representing the irreducible variability among different LEs in CMIP6. Furthermore, the evaluation based on Perkins' skill score (PSS) and root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) in the three LEs does not directly correlate with the ranges of the trends for extreme temperatures. The findings of this study are useful in informing and interpreting future projections of temperature‐related extremes over Australia. Key Points: The assessment on the probability distributions of daily maximum and minimum temperature makes the evaluation of extremes more robustTemperature extremes over Australia are broadly similar in CMIP5 and CMIP6There are differences in estimating internal variability across multiple CMIP6 models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the language and meanings that retirees give to goals, including their perceptions of the benefits and limitations of pursuing goals in retirement. Methods: In‐depth interviews and mini‐group discussions were conducted with 60 community‐dwelling Australian retirees aged 57 to 88 years. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Responses to the term 'goal' varied by age in relation to the meaning and relevance of the term to retirement planning, largely shaped by the perceived formality and flexibility of goal setting which linked to acceptance or fear of failure when goals were not achieved with three profiles emerging: the Acceptors, the Ambivalent and the Rejectors. Language was highly influential in forming perceptions. Conclusion: Retirees' perceptions about the meaning and usefulness of goals varied greatly, with the language used a key factor in the perceived relevance of goal setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme event attribution studies attempt to quantify the role of human influences in observed weather and climate extremes. These studies are of broad scientific and public interest, although quantitative results (e.g., that a specific event was made a specific number of times more likely because of anthropogenic forcings) can be difficult to communicate accurately to a variety of audiences and difficult for audiences to interpret. Here, we focus on how results of these studies can be effectively communicated using standardized language and propose, for the first time, a set of calibrated terms to describe event attribution results. Using these terms and an accompanying visual guide, results are presented in terms of likelihood of event changes and the associated uncertainties. This standardized language will allow clearer communication and interpretation of probabilities by the public and stakeholders. Key Points: The paper presents standardized language for communicating extreme event attribution resultsEvent results are presented in terms of likelihood of event changes and the associated uncertaintiesThis standardized language will have benefits for clear communication and interpretation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The likelihood and severity of high‐impact future temperature extremes can be reduced through climate change mitigation efforts. However, meeting the Paris Agreement warming limits requires notably stronger greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts by major emitters than existing pledges. We examine the impact of Paris‐era decision‐making by the world's three largest greenhouse gas emitters (EU, USA, and China) on projected future extreme temperature events. Country‐level contributions to the occurrence of future temperature extremes are calculated based on current emissions policies and sequential mitigation efforts, using a new metric called the Contribution to Excess Risk Ratio. We demonstrate the Contribution concept by applying it to extreme monthly temperature projections. In many regions, future extremes depend on the current and future carbon dioxide emissions reductions adopted by major emitters. By implementing stronger Paris‐era climate pledges, major emitters can reduce the frequency of future extremes and their own calculated contributions to these temperature extremes. Plain English Summary: Temperature extremes can damage aspects of human society, infrastructure, and our ecosystems. The frequency, severity, and duration of high temperatures are increasing in some regions and are projected to continue increasing with further global temperature increases as greenhouse gas emissions rise. While the international Paris Agreement aims to limit warming through emissions reduction pledges, none of the major emitters has made commitments that are aligned with limiting warming to 2 °C. In this analysis, we examine the impact of the world's three largest greenhouse gas emitters' (EU, USA, and China) current and future decisions about carbon dioxide emissions on the occurrence of future extreme temperatures. We show that future extremes depend on the emissions decisions made by the major emitters. By implementing stronger climate pledges, major emitters can reduce the frequency of future extremes and their own calculated contributions to these temperature extremes. Key Points: The contribution of major greenhouse gas emitters to future temperature extremes is calculatedProjected future extremes depend on current and near‐future CO2 emissions trajectories of the major emittersMajor emitters' calculated contributions to future temperature extremes is reduced through emissions mitigation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mean and extreme northwest Australian (NWA) summertime rainfall has increased significantly since 1950. While previous studies have explored a range of possible factors impacting NWA rainfall, the causes of this increase and possible future changes remain uncertain. This study explores the increasing NWA summertime rainfall trends in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models. By using a suite of models that contributed realizations of the historical period with various forcings, we explore the impact to this region of greenhouse gases and aerosol emissions since 1950 on mean rainfall and three extreme rainfall indices. The observed NWA rainfall trend is better captured in models when all forcings are included compared to simulations with only greenhouse gas forcing or with only natural forcing, although the models have a large spread. We hypothesise that anthropogenic aerosols played a major role in the observed rainfall trends, and the associated increase in monsoonal flow, and hence historicalNat and historicalGHG simulations tend not to capture observed rainfall trend. Throughout the 21st century, CMIP5 models simulate a stronger increase in mean summer precipitation and extreme indices of NWA rainfall in representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 simulations than in RCP2.6. The NWA region shows intensified extreme events with fewer heavy precipitation days, but the reliability of these projections in this region should be further tested with estimates of future anthropogenic aerosol changes. Mean and extreme northwest Australian (NWA) summertime rainfall has increased significantly since 1950. The figure shows spatial trend of summer (DJF) wind at 850 hPa (m s−1 year−1) over the period 1950–2005 in (a) NCEP, (b) historical ensemble mean, (c) historicalAA ensemble mean, (d) historicalGHG ensemble mean in CMIP5 models. We hypothesise that the rainfall increase over NWA can be related to increased monsoonal flow due to increased aerosol emissions in last 56 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Record-breaking temperatures can detrimentally impact ecosystems, infrastructure, and human health. Previous studies show that climate change has influenced some observed extremes, which are expected to become more frequent under enhanced future warming. Understanding the magnitude, as a well as frequency, of such future extremes is critical for limiting detrimental impacts. We focus on temperature changes in Australian regions, including over a major coral reef-building area, and assess the potential magnitude of future extreme temperatures under Paris Agreement global warming targets (1.5°C and 2°C). Under these limits to global mean warming, we determine a set of projected high-magnitude unprecedented Australian temperature extremes. These include extremes unexpected based on observational temperatures, including current record-breaking events. For example, while the difference in global-average warming during the hottest Australian summer and the 2°C Paris target is 1.1°C, extremes of 2.4°C above the observed summer record are simulated. This example represents a more than doubling of the magnitude of extremes, compared with global mean change, and such temperatures are unexpected based on the observed record alone. Projected extremes do not necessarily scale linearly with mean global warming, and this effect demonstrates the significant potential benefits of limiting warming to 1.5°C, compared to 2°C or warmer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To investigate how gamblers interact with, and respond to, downstream social marketing campaigns that focus on the risks and harms of problem gambling and/or encourage help seeking. Methods Qualitative study of 100 gamblers with a range of gambling behaviours (from non-problem to problem gambling). We used a Social Constructivist approach. Our constant comparative method of data interpretation focused on how participants' experiences and interactions with gambling influenced their opinions towards, and interactions with social marketing campaigns. Results Three key themes emerged from the narratives. (i) Participants felt that campaigns were heavily skewed towards encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for their gambling behaviours or were targeted towards those with severe gambling problems. (ii) Participants described the difficulty for campaigns to achieve 'cut through' because of the overwhelming volume of positive messages about the benefits of gambling that were given by the gambling industry. (iii) Some participants described that dominant discourses about personal responsibility prevented them from seeking help and reinforced perceptions of stigma. Conclusions and implications Social marketing campaigns have an important role to play in the prevention of gambling risk behaviours and the promotion of help seeking. Social marketers should explore how to more effectively target campaigns to different audience segments, understand the role of environmental factors in undermining the uptake of social marketing strategies and anticipate the potential unforeseen consequences of social marketing strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We thank the Comment's authors for their considered critique of our paper. We respond to their main criticisms and hope that this discussion motivates further consideration of communication strategies for event attribution analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In Australia the incidence of obesity is increasing rapidly and has become a significant public health concern. In addition to the many physical consequences of obesity many studies have reported significant mental health consequences, including major depression, mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between severity of obesity and perceived mental health in an Australian community sample. Methods A cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 118 participants, aged between 19 and 75 years with a body mass index ( BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 returned a completed questionnaire. The SF-36 Health Survey, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used. Results After adjusting for age, gender, perceived social support and physical health quality of life, obesity was not significantly associated with mental health quality of life ( SF-36). The strongest factor influencing mental health was perceived physical health. Mediation analyses suggest that physical health mediates the relationship between obesity and mental health quality of life. Discussion Our findings support the view that physical health mediates the relationship between obesity and mental health. Public health interventions should focus on reducing the impact of obesity on physical health by encouraging participation in healthy lifestyles, which in turn, may improve mental wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction This study explores what types of information obese individuals search for on the Internet, their motivations for seeking information and how they apply it in their daily lives. Method In-depth telephone interviews with an Australian community sample of 142 individuals with a BMI ≥ 30 were conducted. Theoretical, purposive and strategic samplings were employed. Data were analysed using a constant comparative method. Results Of the 142 individuals who participated in the study, 111 (78%) searched for information about weight loss or obesity. Of these, about three quarters searched for weight loss solutions. The higher the individual's weight, the more they appeared to search for weight loss solutions. Participants also searched for information about health risks associated with obesity ( n = 28), how to prevent poor health outcomes ( n = 30) and for peer support forums with other obese individuals ( n = 25). Whilst participants visited a range of websites, including government-sponsored sites, community groups and weight loss companies, they overwhelmingly acted upon the advice given on commercial diet websites. However, safe, non-judgemental spaces such as the Fatosphere (online fat acceptance community) provided much needed solidarity and support. Conclusions The Internet provides a convenient source of support and information for obese individuals. However, many turn to the same unsuccessful solutions online (e.g. fad dieting) they turn to in the community. Government and community organisations could draw upon some lessons learned in other consumer-driven online spaces (e.g. the Fatosphere) to provide supportive environments for obese individuals that resonate with their health and social experiences, and address their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been much attention given to the spatial and temporal characteristics of changes in mean and extreme rainfall over Australia during the past century. As Australia is the second driest continent on Earth, reliable projections around the trends and variability in future rainfall are crucial for policymakers and water resource management. This article comprehensively reviews the current published literature on trends in Australia's rainfall from pre‐instrumental and instrumental records, the climatic drivers of Australia's rainfall variability, attribution of the long‐term trends, extreme rainfall attribution methods with particular reference to a recent case study (2010–2012 east Australia rainfall event) and projected changes of mean and extreme rainfall over Australia during the 21st century. Notable trends in the observational record of rainfall in Australia are a decrease in mean rainfall in southwest and southeast Australia and an increase in northwest Australia since 1950. The general consensus of research into Australia's future rainfall is that mean rainfall will continue to decrease in southwest Australia in a warming world, while changes over northern and eastern Australia remain uncertain. There are still significant knowledge gaps around the causes of observed trends in rainfall both in the mean and extremes, the ability of climate models to accurately represent rainfall in the Australian region and future rainfall projections. These gaps are identified, and avenues for future research directions are proposed. This article is categorized under: Paleoclimates and Current Trends > Modern Climate Change Outline of the regions that experience major rainfall trends in Australia. Northwest Australia (NWA; 10°–25°S, 110°–135°E), southeast Queensland (SEQ; 22°–30.5°S, east of 150.5°E), southwest of Western Australia (SWWA; southwest of the line joining 30°S, 115°E, and 35°S, 120°E), southeast Australia (SEA; 33°–44°S, 135°–154°E). The current article reviews the recent scientific literature on rainfall in the pre‐instrumental and instrumental period over Australia, including the underlying mechanisms (e.g., impact of anthropogenic changes, and natural variability) of the regional and seasonal variations and future projections. We discuss progress in detection and attribution and the future avenues in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]