Easter Island Ecological Collapse

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2 July 2025

11 mins 12 secs

Season 1

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moai statues moai extinct explorers 1700s rapa nui easter island deforestation ecological disaster ecological collapse environmental issues environmental disaster iosh nebosh safety health and safety rrc

About this Episode

In this episode, we explore the devastating ecological collapse of Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote islands famous for its huge statues, vanished entirely, taking all tree species with it.

Forest harvesting began around 900 and peaked by 1400. By 1722, when European explorers came across the island, it was already deforested.

The consequences of deforestation had been dire: the ecosystem collapsed, resources diminished, and population dwindled. Trapped without food, resources, and a way off the island, the people turned on each other.

Explore the cautionary tale of Easter Island and its vital lessons for our world today...