Which of these best describes the term 'natural hazards'?

The term 'natural hazards' is best described as extreme events that can cause significant harm to the environment, property, and human life. This includes events like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires that arise from natural processes of the Earth. These phenomena are often unpredictable and can lead to disastrous consequences for both ecosystems and human communities.

While some options refer to aspects that might involve natural hazards, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive nature of what constitutes a natural hazard. For example, man-made threats do not fall under the category of natural events, and everyday weather occurrences are typically not extreme or severe enough to be classified as hazards. Furthermore, while geological events like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are indeed types of natural hazards, the definition is broader and includes various other types of environmental disasters. Hence, the recognition of natural hazards as extreme events causing harm is crucial for understanding their impact and the necessity for preparedness and response measures.