Environmental justice issues, as well as other complex ecological challenges, require inclusive and holistic transdisciplinary approaches. These approaches need to integrate often incomplete and/or contradictory information from a broad array of disciplines while also factoring in some understanding of the political landscape. For decades, advocacy groups, as well as educators, have worked diligently to increase scientific literacy and enlist the public in addressing ecological threats. Unfortunately, not all stakeholders have been included in these efforts, and because of our fast-paced lifestyles most individuals pay attention only to those issues threatening their local communities. Real progress in addressing ecological challenges requires inclusion, public engagement, an educated electorate, and individuals willing to become involved in what is, most likely, a long and arduous process. These so-called wicked problems have no simple solutions, and this session aims to explore how we can bring the complexity of these problems into our classrooms without overwhelming students. Ultimately while we build student understanding of complex wicked problems, which may not have real solutions, we need to recognize the contributions individuals have made in attempts to find solutions. Otherwise students may view problems as too challenging and make a choice to relegate the problem-solving process to other, perhaps less invested and prepared, individuals. As scientific educators we have an opportunity to advance 21st century ecological literacy through a transdisciplinary exploration of complex real-world ecological challenges. Benefits of addressing these challenges in college classrooms include: 1. integrating knowledge across disciplines, 2. authentically increasing scientific literacy, 3. demonstrating the absolute need for inclusive collaborations across a variety of constituencies, 4. developing a better-informed electorate, and 5. providing a transdisciplinary foundation that prepares individuals to become fully engaged in tackling environmental challenges.