This document discusses natural hazards and disasters. It explains that a natural event is not a hazard unless it affects human beings. A hazardous event only becomes a natural disaster if it causes large numbers of deaths or property damage. While humans cannot control natural phenomena, human activities can increase the frequency and severity of natural hazards by removing natural protections like coral reefs or contributing to problems like desertification. The document provides examples of different types of natural hazards including atmospheric, seismic, geological, hydrologic, and volcanic events.