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While dawn was breaking the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained stuck in a enclosed conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. They had been 12 hours in strained discussions, with numerous ministers representing 17 groups of countries from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Frustration mounted, the air stifling as sweaty delegates confronted the sobering reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference hovered near the brink of complete breakdown.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for nearly a century, the CO2 emissions produced by consuming fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to critical 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 the Dubai climate summit to "move beyond fossil fuels". Officials from the Gulf states, Russia, and several other countries were determined this would not be repeated.

Increasing pressure for change

Simultaneously, a expanding group of countries were just as committed that movement on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a plan that was attracting growing support and made it apparent they were prepared to stand their ground.

Developing countries strongly sought to advance on securing funding support to help them cope with the growing impacts of environmental crises.

Critical moment

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to walk out and force a collapse. "We were close for us," stated one energy minister. "I was prepared to walk away."

The critical development came through talks with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, principal delegates left the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the lead Saudi negotiator. They pressed wording that would indirectly acknowledge the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Rather than explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the previous commitment". Upon deliberation, the Saudi delegation surprisingly agreed to the wording.

Delegates collapsed into relief. Celebrations began. The agreement was done.

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took another small step towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a uncertain, insufficient step that will minimally impact the climate's steady march towards crisis. But nevertheless a notable change from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the oblique commitment in the official document, countries will start developing a plan to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be mostly 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 annual finance to help them adapt to the impacts of climate disasters
• This funding will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in high-carbon industries transition to the renewable industry

Differing opinions

As the world hovers near the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and plunge whole regions into disorder, the agreement was not the "major breakthrough" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some baby steps in the correct path, but in light of the severity of the climate crisis, it has fallen short of the occasion," stated one climate expert.

This limited deal might have been all that was possible, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a Washington administration who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of rightwing populism, persistent fighting in multiple regions, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were finally in the crosshairs at these negotiations," comments one climate activist. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The political space is open. Now we must turn it into a actual pathway to a protected environment."

Deep fissures revealed

While nations were able to applaud the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also exposed significant divisions in the only global process for addressing the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are agreement-dependent, and in a period of international tensions, unanimity is progressively challenging to reach," observed one international diplomat. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has provided all that is needed. The gap between present circumstances and what science demands remains concerningly substantial."

When the world is to avert the most severe impacts of climate breakdown, the global discussions alone will not be nearly enough.