The Easter Island Mystery

The Easter Island mystery involves how the island’s Polynesian inhabitants, who carved massive stone statues called Moai, managed their resources and society. Researchers believe deforestation and environmental decline contributed to social collapse and population decline around the 17th century. Theories suggest overuse of wood for transportation, navigation, and agriculture led to ecological exhaustion, reducing resource availability. This environmental stress may have caused societal upheaval, diminished craftsmanship, and ultimately contributed to the islanders’ decline. Ongoing studies explore how humans impact small ecosystems and balance resource use, providing insights relevant to sustainability today.