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As dawn was breaking the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained stuck in a airless conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. For more than 12 hours in difficult discussions, with scores ministers representing 17 groups of countries from the most vulnerable nations to the most developed economies.

Frustration mounted, the air thick as weary delegates acknowledged the harsh reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of total collapse.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for well over a century, the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to dangerous levels.

However, during more than three decades of regular climate meetings, the urgent need to cease fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a agreement made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "transition away from fossil fuels". Officials from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and several other countries were resolved this would not be repeated.

Increasing pressure for change

Meanwhile, a growing number of countries were similarly resolved that movement on this issue was vitally needed. They had formulated a proposal that was attracting growing support and made it clear they were prepared to dig in.

Less wealthy nations strongly sought to make progress on securing economic resources to help them address the increasingly severe impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

During the night of Saturday, some delegates were ready to leave and cause breakdown. "We were close for us," commented one government representative. "I was ready to walk away."

The breakthrough occurred through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, key negotiators left the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the chief Saudi negotiator. They pressed text that would indirectly acknowledge the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Instead of explicitly namechecking fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the previous commitment". After consideration, the Saudi delegation surprisingly agreed to the wording.

Delegates expressed relief. Celebrations began. The settlement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took a modest advance towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a uncertain, insufficient step that will scarcely affect the climate's ongoing trajectory towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a notable change from absolute paralysis.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the subtle acknowledgment in the official document, countries will commence creating a framework to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a non-binding program led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries achieved a tripling to $120bn of annual finance to help them cope with the impacts of environmental crises
• This funding will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in polluting businesses shift to the renewable industry

Mixed reactions

While our planet teeters on the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could devastate environments and force whole regions into disorder, the agreement was far from the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some modest progress in the proper course, but considering the severity of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This flawed deal might have been the best attainable, given the political challenges – including a Washington administration who ignored the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the increasing presence of nationalist politics, persistent fighting in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Major polluters – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the crosshairs at these negotiations," notes one policy convener. "This represents progress on that. The platform is open. Now we must convert it to a real fire escape to a safer world."

Deep fissures revealed

While nations were able to celebrate the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted major disagreements in the primary worldwide framework for addressing the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a time of geopolitical divides, consensus is progressively challenging to reach," observed one global leader. "I cannot pretend that this summit has achieved complete success that is needed. The gap between our current position and what evidence necessitates remains concerningly substantial."

When the world is to avoid the gravest consequences of climate breakdown, the global discussions alone will fall far short.