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) chemical energy and fossil fuels, and (iii) polymers, plastics and "green" alternatives. This course is offered every spring and satisfies the Foundation requirement for the Interdisciplinary Science major or minor, and serves as an Elective for Food Studies.