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When dawn was breaking the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, negotiators remained confined in a airless conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in difficult discussions, with numerous ministers representing multiple blocs of countries from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air stifling as sweaty delegates acknowledged the sobering reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of abject failure.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

As science has told us for more than a century, the greenhouse gases produced by utilizing fossil fuels is heating up our planet to dangerous levels.

Nevertheless, during nearly three decades of annual climate meetings, the crucial requirement to stop fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a resolution made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "move beyond fossil fuels". Delegates from the Arab Group, Russia, and multiple other countries were determined this would not happen again.

Growing momentum for change

Meanwhile, a growing number of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was urgently necessary. They had formulated a plan that was attracting increasing support and made it evident they were prepared to dig in.

Developing countries strongly sought to move forward on securing economic resources to help them address the growing impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to withdraw and cause breakdown. "It was on the edge for us," stated one government representative. "I was prepared to walk away."

The pivotal moment came through talks with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, senior representatives split from the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the head Saudi negotiator. They urged text that would indirectly acknowledge the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

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

Participants collapsed into relief. Applause rang out. The deal was finalized.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took another small step towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a uncertain, inadequate step that will scarcely affect the climate's ongoing trajectory towards disaster. But nevertheless a notable change from absolute paralysis.

Key elements of the agreement

• Alongside the subtle acknowledgment in the formal agreement, countries will start developing a roadmap to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a voluntary initiative 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 likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries obtained a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them manage the impacts of extreme weather
• This funding will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in polluting businesses move toward the sustainable sector

Differing opinions

With global conditions hovers near the brink of climate "tipping points" that could eliminate habitats and throw whole regions into crisis, the agreement was insufficient as the "significant advancement" needed.

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

This flawed deal might have been the best attainable, given the political challenges – including a American leader who shunned the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of rightwing populism, persistent fighting in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Major polluters – the oil and gas companies – were finally in the crosshairs at these negotiations," notes one policy convener. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is available. Now we must turn it into a real fire escape to a protected environment."

Significant divisions revealed

While nations were able to welcome the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the only global process for tackling the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are agreement-dependent, and in a time of geopolitical divides, consensus is progressively challenging to reach," observed one international diplomat. "We should not suggest 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 avert the worst ravages of climate breakdown, the global discussions alone will not be nearly enough.