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While dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained confined in a airless conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with numerous ministers representing various coalitions of countries from the most vulnerable nations to the wealthiest economies.

Tempers were short, the air stifling as sweaty delegates faced up to the grim reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference hovered near the brink of abject failure.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for well over a century, the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to alarming levels.

However, during more than three decades of regular climate meetings, the essential necessity to halt fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a agreement made two years ago at the Dubai climate summit to "shift from fossil fuels". Representatives from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and several other countries were resolved this would not occur another time.

Growing momentum for change

Simultaneously, a growing number of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was crucially important. They had formulated a proposal that was earning increasing support and made it apparent they were willing to dig in.

Developing countries desperately wanted to move forward on securing economic resources to help them manage the growing impacts of extreme weather.

Critical moment

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were ready to withdraw and cause breakdown. "It was on the edge for us," stated one government representative. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough came through talks with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the lead Saudi negotiator. They pressed text that would subtly reference the global commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Instead of explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation surprisingly accepted the wording.

Participants collapsed into relief. Cheers erupted. The settlement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took another small step towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a uncertain, inadequate step that will minimally impact the climate's steady march towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the subtle acknowledgment in the official document, countries will commence creating a roadmap to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be mostly a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was similarly postponed to next year
• Developing countries achieved a tripling to $120bn of regular financial support to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This amount will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in polluting businesses move toward the sustainable sector

Varied responses

While our planet hovers near the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could devastate environments and force whole regions into disorder, the agreement was far from the "major breakthrough" needed.

"The summit provided some modest progress in the proper course, but given the severity of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," stated one policy director.

This imperfect deal might have been the best attainable, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a American leader who shunned the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the increasing presence of rightwing populism, persistent fighting in different locations, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were at last in the crosshairs at Cop30," comments one environmental advocate. "There is no turning back on that. The platform is available. Now we must turn it into a genuine solution to a more secure planet."

Significant divisions revealed

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

"International summits are unanimity-required, and in a era of international tensions, unanimity is ever harder to reach," observed one global leader. "I cannot pretend that these talks has delivered everything that is needed. The gap between where we are and what research requires remains concerningly substantial."

If the world is to prevent the worst ravages of climate breakdown, the global discussions alone will fall far short.