Answer to Question 1
ANSWER: Disasters like volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes are sensational in the sense that they are sudden, dramatic events with strong imagery. These disasters represent a small percentage of deaths from natural hazards. The deadliest natural disasters include drought and winter weather. These disasters occur over a long time and do not have a sensational sense of drama and imagery.
Answer to Question 2
ANSWER: The researcher should use the 10-year average (indicated by the lines on the graph) to predict what will happen over the next ten years. Since the type and effect of natural disasters are unpredictable, the yearly losses are very variable. The 10-year average is a more accurate summary of what will happen over time.
The 10-year averages are increasing in a steady fashion that looks like small variations around a linear trend. A linear fit is appropriate.