Formación para la sostenibilidad. Una apuesta del pensamiento crítico por una educación contable de calidad

After outlining key conceptual distinctions in the field of environmental education, this paper examines critical thinking as a key driver for sustainability-oriented education in the training of Public Accounting students at seven universities in Medellín (Colombia). It assesses both the progress and the shortcomings in this area and proposes mitigation strategies through curricular content and extracurricular activities. This qualitative study analyzes 42 categories derived from interviews with academic directors and faculty members, student surveys, and a review of institutional websites. The findings reveal progress in the inclusion of environmental courses—albeit with a predominantly functionalist approach—significant shortcomings in environmental education and a disconnection between political and environmental training. There is an urgent need to strengthen the environmental integration of the accounting curriculum robustly and comprehensively.