When trees were depleted on Easter Island the Rapa Nui?

When trees were depleted on Easter Island, the Rapa Nui people faced severe ecological and social challenges. The deforestation led to soil erosion, loss of agricultural productivity, and a decline in resources necessary for building canoes and transporting goods. This environmental collapse contributed to social strife, warfare, and a significant decline in the population, ultimately leading to the island's cultural and societal transformation. The depletion of trees is often cited as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unsustainable resource management.