In recent decades, environmental change have challenged protection efforts. Lessons from developed societies between the 1950s and 1970s remain relevant as globalization introduced economic, social, and technological shifts. The energy sector, responsible for 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlights the need for renewable energy and sustainable resource management. GEO-6 advocates integrated strategies prioritizing planetary health and governance, production, and consumption reforms. This chapter examines global environmental challenges deterring sustainable development, focusing on drivers, emerging issues, performance indicators, and policy reforms. It balances economic, environmental, governance and social objectives in global sustainability practices. A systematic review of 36 literatures from 2010 to 2024 using PRIMSA approach reflects these challenges’ evolution. GEO-6 stresses that climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and land degradation remain essential challenges despite sustainability efforts. Indicators like rising temperatures, declining biodiversity, and pollution stress the need for urgent action. Technological advances and international cooperation are crucial, but progress is hindered by political will, economic disparities, and inconsistent policies. Sustainable development requires integrating environmental protection with socio-economic policies and technological innovations. GEO-6 calls for changes in production and consumption patterns by emphasizing keeping people out of poverty, governance enforcement for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, and crisis prevention and increased resilience.