In what ways was the Mayan civilization unsustainable?

Ponting, as cited in Pakenham 2005, argues that the Mayan civilization was unsustainable at
the usage of their food resources. In order to cater the demand of the Mayas due to
growing population for (food, fuel and land) resources, the Mayas cleared the land
extensively which caused soil erosion that eventually led to flood. As a result, the Mayas had
experienced the epidemic of diseases and starvation. Due to the low supply of food
production, the Mayas competed with other cities which triggered wars to happen
commonly. The aftermath of failure in maintaining the balance in ecosystem by the Mayas,
had brought to the numerous of deaths and dreadful declined in production which
destroyed the Mayan civilization.

Due to the growing and the demand for greater resources, extensive land clearing occurred.
As a result, epidemic diseases and starvation followed.