Final answer:
Evidence refuting the ecocide hypothesis of Rapa Nui's collapse includes European invasions, disease introduction, and resource competition, alongside broader historical examples of societal collapses due to a combination of factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hypothesis that the collapse of Rapa Nui society was due to self-inflicted environmental degradation, or 'ecocide,' is refuted by several lines of evidence. These include the impact of European invasions, introduced diseases, and the contestation for resources, which contributed to societal changes and the eventual collapse of the culture. Additionally, the comparison to the Indus Valley civilization suggests that a combination of factors, including environmental degradation, climate change, and external invasions, can lead to societal collapse. The concept of the 'tragedy of the commons', evidenced by the extinction of the Moa in New Zealand, serves as a cautionary example of how slow-to-recognize crises, akin to climate change, can lead to irreversible damage. Furthermore, the activities of colonizing groups and their adverse effects on indigenous populations' environments underscore the broader impact of external forces on societal collapse. The case of Rapa Nui questions the sustainability of the last centuries' mode of existence and highlights the value of understanding local knowledge and practices in historical context for conservation efforts.