Easter Island's statues are among the most iconic landmarks on the planet, but these mysterious Moai could completely disappear within a few decades if scientists' warnings prove true.

Scientists warn that Easter Island's iconic statues could be underwater in the coming years (Fabien Pallueau/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The world boasts numerous natural and man-made landmarks, ranging from ancient wonders that have largely decayed over time to modern marvels that continue to captivate millions of visitors every year. Among these, Easter Island’s human-like statues are undeniably some of the most recognizable symbols of cultural heritage. Positioned on the remote Chilean island, the Moai statues continue to inspire awe and curiosity.

However, scientists have issued grave warnings about the future of these statues, suggesting that without urgent action, they could be wiped from existence in the coming years.

What have scientists warned about the Easter Island statues?

As reported by The Independent, a study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage estimates that the Moai statues, along with around 50 other cultural sites on Easter Island, are at serious risk of flooding. This flooding could submerge them completely in the near future.

Ahu Tongariki, the island's most iconic line of statues, could meet the ocean by 2080 according to simulations (Fabien Pallueau/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The primary culprit behind this threat is the rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change. Melting ice sheets and the expanding volume of ocean water due to increasing temperatures are causing sea levels to rise at an alarming rate each year.

Noah Paoa, the lead author of the study, emphasizes that "sea level rise is real," and it's "not a distant threat" that can be postponed. According to Paoa, we must address it now before it's too late.

The research team created a 'digital twin' of Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui to its native inhabitants, and utilized computer simulations to predict the future impact of rising sea levels on the island. The simulations revealed that waves could reach Ahu Tongariki—the largest and most iconic collection of Moai statues—by 2080. Shortly thereafter, other parts of the island could be submerged, possibly causing the entire island to be lost underwater.

Ahu Tongariki, the most iconic line of statues on Easter Island, could be overtaken by the ocean by 2080, according to the simulations. The island is home to roughly 900 Moai statues, carved between the 10th and 16th centuries. Losing these statues would not only be a major cultural loss but also a significant historical and ancestral blow.

The broader implications

The study stresses the urgent need for sea-level rise (SLR) assessments in other coastal cultural sites within the Rapa Nui National Park. It also advocates for consultations with local communities to develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation. Beyond Easter Island, similar concerns are being raised globally. For example, research shows that parts of New Zealand could also be at risk in the coming years, as rising sea levels and land subsidence combine to accelerate the potential devastation of coastal areas.

Reports from Forbes highlight that nearly half of the global sea-level rise since 1880 has occurred in just the past 30 years. The escalating effects of climate change, particularly as we approach a potential climate 'tipping point,' suggest that these trends will only worsen, further threatening cultural landmarks, cities, and ecosystems around the world.