Historians and scientists agree that the landscape of easter island was much different when the first islanders arrived from polynesia in 800. the island was covered in lush forests of palm trees and was inhabited by large populations of birds. less than 600 years later, the island was a barren wasteland of grasses. the ecosystem on easter island collapsed as a result of the reckless use of natural resources by islanders, destroying the island civilization and making the island a challenging environment to live in.