A wicked problem is a term used in policy analysis to describe an environmental situation where no matter what policy actions are taken there are still going to be unacceptable losses. Examples of wicked problems can be found in climate change, endangered species, invasive species and environmental justice issues.
In order to deal with the psychological stress of threat and uncertainty associated with wicked problems many people are tempted to take a strong position, such as moral outrage. This approach has its place (i.e., activism) and can work in the short term, but can be deleterious to your work and mental health in the long term.
In the attached paper I share my own philosophy for engaging in wicked problems while also protecting my sense of virtue and purpose as a professional.
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