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As dawn was breaking the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained stuck in a windowless conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with dozens ministers representing various coalitions of countries from the least developed nations to the most developed economies.

Patience wore thin, the air thick as sweaty delegates confronted the grim reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference hovered near the brink of total collapse.

The major obstacle: Fossil fuels

As science has told us for nearly a century, the carbon dioxide produced by consuming fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to alarming levels.

Nevertheless, during more than three decades of regular climate meetings, the essential necessity to stop fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a decision made two years ago at Cop28 to "shift from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Gulf states, Russia, and a few other countries were resolved this would not be repeated.

Increasing pressure for change

Simultaneously, a growing number of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had formulated a initiative that was gathering growing support and made it apparent they were prepared to dig in.

Less wealthy nations strongly sought to make progress on securing funding support to help them address the already disastrous impacts of climate disasters.

Breaking point

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to withdraw and force a collapse. "It was on the edge for us," remarked one national delegate. "I considered to walk away."

The pivotal moment happened through talks with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, key negotiators left the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the head Saudi negotiator. They urged wording that would subtly reference the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unanticipated resolution

Rather than explicitly namechecking fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unforeseeably accepted the wording.

Participants showed visible relief. Celebrations began. The deal was finalized.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took a modest advance 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

• Complementing the indirect reference in the official document, countries will start developing a plan to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a voluntary initiative led by Brazil that will provide updates next year
• Addressing the required reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries secured a tripling to $120bn of yearly funding to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This amount will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors transition to the sustainable sector

Differing opinions

While our planet teeters on the brink of climate "tipping points" that could destroy ecosystems and throw whole regions into disorder, the agreement was not the "significant advancement" needed.

"Negotiators delivered some small advances in the proper course, but given the scale of the climate crisis, it has fallen short of the occasion," cautioned one climate expert.

This limited deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the political challenges – including a Washington administration who avoided the talks and remains aligned with oil and coal, the rising tide of rightwing populism, continuing wars in different locations, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the fossil fuel giants – were ultimately in the spotlight at Cop30," notes one environmental advocate. "This represents progress on that. The political space is accessible. Now we must turn it into a real fire escape to a more secure planet."

Major disagreements revealed

Although nations were able to applaud the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the primary worldwide framework for addressing the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a era of global disagreements, agreement is progressively challenging to reach," commented one senior UN official. "I cannot pretend that Cop30 has delivered everything that is needed. The difference between our current position and what science demands remains alarmingly large."

When the world is to avert the worst ravages of climate breakdown, the international negotiations alone will fall far short.