This paper refers to the importance of pollution and environmental protection in modern society, both at the global and national level. The paper shows how environmental pollution has serious consequences for human health, biodiversity and quality of life, and growing awareness of these problems encourages countries and organizations to take measures to protect the environment and sustainable development. Sustainable development is a key concept that promotes a balance between economic activity, social well-being and environmental protection. The goal is to meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Environmental protection requires cooperation between states, organizations, scientists and citizens. Innovation in technology and practices also play a key role in reducing negative environmental impacts. Economic environmental instruments, such as taxes on greenhouse gas emissions or emissions trading, are becoming increasingly important to encourage businesses and individuals to do environmentally conscious business. In this paper, variables of various taxes for environmental protection (income and expenditure), energy productivity, share of renewable energy, greenhouse gas emissions and employment in the ecological sector were used for the analysis of environmental sustainability in Croatia. The analysis used data for the Republic of Croatia and compared them at the EU level. Croatia is already on a good path to quality environmental protection. With a satisfactory supply of sustainable energy, great progress can be made with a focus on sustainable development and reducing negative environmental consequences.