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While dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained confined in a enclosed conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in difficult discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries ranging from the most vulnerable nations to the richest economies.

Frustration mounted, the air thick as exhausted delegates acknowledged the sobering reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations faced the brink of complete breakdown.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for more than a century, the CO2 emissions produced by burning fossil fuels is warming our planet to dangerous levels.

Nevertheless, during nearly three decades of regular climate meetings, the essential necessity to cease fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a decision made two years ago at Cop28 to "move beyond fossil fuels". Delegates from the Arab Group, Russia, and several other countries were adamant this would not be repeated.

Increasing pressure for change

Meanwhile, a growing number of countries were just as committed that movement on this issue was vitally needed. They had formulated a initiative that was attracting growing support and made it clear they were ready to stand their ground.

Emerging economies desperately wanted to advance on securing funding support to help them cope with the increasingly severe impacts of environmental crises.

Critical moment

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were ready to walk out and trigger failure. "We were close for us," remarked one energy minister. "I was ready to walk away."

The pivotal moment happened through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the lead Saudi negotiator. They pressed language that would subtly reference the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Rather than explicitly namechecking fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". Upon deliberation, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly accepted the wording.

The room collapsed into relief. Cheers erupted. The settlement was done.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took a modest advance towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a uncertain, insufficient step that will barely interrupt the climate's continued progression towards crisis. But nevertheless a important shift from total inaction.

Important aspects of the agreement

• Alongside the oblique commitment in the formal agreement, countries will begin work a framework to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be largely a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will report back next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to remain below the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries obtained a threefold increase to $120bn of regular financial support to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This funding will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in high-carbon industries transition to the clean economy

Mixed reactions

While our planet approaches the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could eliminate habitats and plunge whole regions into disorder, the agreement was far from the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some small advances in the proper course, but considering the magnitude of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," warned one climate expert.

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 rising tide of nationalist politics, persistent fighting in various areas, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"The climate arsonists – the energy conglomerates – were finally in the spotlight at the climate summit," comments one environmental advocate. "There is no turning back on that. The opportunity is accessible. Now we must turn it into a actual pathway to a more secure planet."

Major disagreements revealed

Although nations were able to celebrate the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also exposed major disagreements in the primary worldwide framework for tackling the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are consensus-based, and in a period of geopolitical divides, unanimity is ever harder to reach," stated one global leader. "It would be dishonest to claim that Cop30 has provided all that is needed. The gap between present circumstances and what evidence necessitates remains concerningly substantial."

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