Chemistry has contributed to our understanding of environmental issues, but it has also been responsible for some of them. This course will discuss fundamental chemistry concepts to explain the causes of environmental challenges and to offer possible solutions and policies to address them. Topics that will be explored include (i) water quality and access to safe drinking water, (ii) acid rain, (iii) fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, (iv) the chemistry of greenhouse gases, and (v) polymers, plastics and "green" alternatives. Students who have completed Chemistry of Life or Chemical Narrative of the Cell should not take this course. This course satisfies the Chemistry requirement for the Interdisciplinary Science and Environmental Studies major.