Why I Care: James Adamski

Christian. Geologist. Environmentalist.

I am a Christian, husband of Melanie, father of Elliot (11 years old) and Bethany (9 years old), brother, son, geologist, and sometime guitarist. I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 15 years old. Since becoming a Christian, I have strongly felt that the Earth belongs to God, and that we are tenants hired to tend His vineyard (Matthew 21:33-41). We don’t own the Earth, but God has let us use it to fulfill our needs and for our enjoyment. Visiting and exploring His beautiful creation helps me deepen my relationship with Christ and better understand God’s purpose for my life. I have met many other Christians who expressed similar feelings. These two beliefs have strengthened and confirmed my desire to study and protect the Earth and its environments. As a result, I became a geologist and worked for nearly 17 years for the U.S. Geological Survey as a hydrologist and research geochemist. I now have my own consulting firm, and I am also pursuing my Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. I also conduct educational outreach and give environmental presentations to schools groups on the side.

In addition to global climate change, I believe a number of other critical environmental issues face Central Florida and the rest of our world. These issues include diminishing quantity and quality of water supplies, destruction of pristine areas and wildlife habitats, and declines in vulnerable species. For example, the population in Orange County has increased from 264,000 people in 1960 to 896,000 people in 2000. During those 40 years, water consumption increased from 82 million gallons per day to 287 million gallons per day. The result has been a decline of 10 to 15 feet in the water levels in the Floridan aquifer system, from which central Florida obtains most of its drinking water.

I have also had the opportunity to visit many outstanding parks and natural areas in the western United States. Unfortunately, I have also seen the destruction of equally beautiful places not protected by law. For example, clear cutting of old-growth forests was particularly excessive in the 1980s to the early 1990s. As a result, less than 1-2 percent of the original virgin forests—with trees from 1,000-2,000 years old—remain today.

I believe the solution to all these issues lies at all levels of our society, from the individual to the church, corporations, and local, state, and federal governments. I believe education is important so citizens understand the issues, and work to effect solutions. However, “green” consumers will not end global warming, reverse ground-water declines or protect threatened species. Legislation and government-private partnerships are needed to address these regional and global issues. As Joseph used the Egyptian government to minimize the famine shown by God in Pharoah’s dream, we have a duty to enlist our government’s assistance in protecting God’s creation, and ensuring its well being for our children.

James C. Adamski
Professional Geologist

Comments

[annie quinn]

James, did you attend school at the university of Arkansas a while back? I knew someone with your same name who graduated from the u of a with a masters in geology. Please email me if this sounds like you. If it is, I want to talk to you and meet your family, because we were friends.

[Jim Adamski]

My email address is jimadamski@msn.com

GO HOGS GO!