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When dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained trapped in a enclosed conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with numerous ministers representing multiple blocs of countries ranging from the least developed nations to the most developed economies.

Frustration mounted, the air heavy as weary delegates acknowledged the grim reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of complete breakdown.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for well over a century, the CO2 emissions produced by utilizing fossil fuels is warming our planet to dangerous levels.

Yet, during nearly three decades of annual climate meetings, the urgent need to stop fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a resolution made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "transition away from fossil fuels". Representatives from the Arab Group, Russia, and several other countries were resolved this would not occur another time.

Increasing pressure for change

Meanwhile, a growing number of countries were equally determined that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had developed a proposal that was earning expanding support and made it apparent they were prepared to dig in.

Emerging economies strongly sought to make progress on securing financial assistance to help them cope with the increasingly severe impacts of climate disasters.

Critical moment

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to withdraw and force a collapse. "The situation was precarious for us," stated one national delegate. "I considered to walk away."

The pivotal moment occurred through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, senior representatives separated from the main group to hold a private conversation with the head Saudi negotiator. They encouraged language that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

Rather than explicitly namechecking fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". After consideration, the Saudi delegation surprisingly approved the wording.

Participants collapsed into relief. Applause rang out. The agreement was completed.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took another small step towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a hesitant, insufficient step that will scarcely affect the climate's continued progression towards disaster. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• Complementing the subtle acknowledgment in the official document, countries will start developing a roadmap to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be largely a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to stay within the 1.5C limit was also put off to next year
• Developing countries achieved a threefold increase to $120bn of regular financial support to help them manage the impacts of extreme weather
• This sum will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in polluting businesses transition to the sustainable sector

Mixed reactions

While our planet hovers near the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and plunge whole regions into disorder, the agreement was far from the "major breakthrough" needed.

"Negotiators delivered some small advances in the proper course, but considering the scale of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This limited deal might have been all that was possible, given the international tensions – including a US president who avoided the talks and remains aligned with oil and coal, the increasing presence of conservative movements, persistent fighting in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"The climate arsonists – the energy conglomerates – were finally in the focus at the climate summit," notes one climate activist. "This represents progress on that. The political space is accessible. Now we must transform it into a genuine solution to a protected environment."

Major disagreements revealed

While nations were able to celebrate the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the only global process for confronting the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a time of geopolitical divides, consensus is increasingly difficult to reach," stated one international diplomat. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what science demands remains concerningly substantial."

When the world is to prevent the most severe impacts of climate breakdown, the global discussions alone will fall far short.