David Pimentel was a distinguished professor emeritus of agricultural sciences, entomology and ecology at Cornell University, where he established himself as a pioneering figure in environmental science. Born on May 24, 1925, he earned his PhD in entomology from Cornell University in 1951 and concurrently held a graduate fellowship at Oxford University. Following his doctoral studies, he served four years with the US Public Health Service in Puerto Rico before returning to Cornell in 1955, where he eventually became Chairman of the Entomology Department and held a joint appointment with the Section of Ecology and Systematics. His academic journey spanned over six decades, during which he became recognized as one of the foremost environmental thinkers of his time.
Pimentel pioneered groundbreaking research at the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and sustainability, publishing approximately 700 scientific papers and 37 books that transformed understanding of environmental systems. His early work on pest control and DDT in house flies, along with studies on herbicides and the ecological impact of introduced species such as the mongoose, laid foundational principles for modern integrated pest management strategies. He courageously advocated against DDT well before its eventual ban, demonstrating visionary foresight regarding environmental toxins. His controversial but scientifically rigorous analysis of biofuels revealed that ethanol production consumed more energy than it yielded, fundamentally challenging prevailing assumptions about renewable energy solutions.
As a trailblazer in sustainability science, Pimentel championed conservation principles decades before the term entered mainstream discourse, recognizing the critical relationship between food availability and human population growth. He served on numerous influential committees including the National Academy of Sciences, President's Science Advisory Council, and multiple US government departments, significantly shaping environmental policy at the highest levels. His leadership extended to organizations such as the Rachel Carson Council, National Audubon Society, and National Geographic Society, where he promoted ecological awareness and conservation. Pimentel's enduring legacy continues to inform contemporary approaches to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, with his pioneering work remaining foundational to the field even after his passing on December 8, 2019.
