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As 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. For more than 12 hours in difficult discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries from the poorest nations to the wealthiest economies.

Tempers were short, the air stifling as exhausted delegates confronted the harsh reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of total collapse.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for more than a century, the CO2 emissions produced by consuming fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to alarming levels.

Nevertheless, during over three decades of annual climate meetings, the urgent need to cease fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a agreement made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "shift from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Arab Group, Russia, and multiple other countries were resolved this would not occur another time.

Growing momentum for change

Meanwhile, a expanding group of countries were similarly resolved that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a proposal that was attracting growing support and made it apparent they were willing to dig in.

Less wealthy nations strongly sought to advance on securing economic resources to help them manage the already disastrous impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

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

The breakthrough happened through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, key negotiators left the main group to hold a private conversation with the lead Saudi negotiator. They urged wording that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

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

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

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

Important aspects of the agreement

• Alongside the indirect reference in the legally agreed text, countries will commence creating a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be largely a non-binding program led by Brazil that will provide updates 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 secured a tripling to $120bn of yearly funding to help them cope with the impacts of climate disasters
• This sum will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors move toward the renewable industry

Mixed reactions

While our planet approaches the brink of climate "tipping points" that could devastate environments and force whole regions into crisis, the agreement was not the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some baby steps in the right direction, but considering the severity of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," cautioned one climate expert.

This flawed deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the political challenges – including a American leader who shunned the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the growing influence of rightwing populism, continuing wars in different locations, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Major polluters – the oil and gas companies – were at last in the focus at the climate summit," notes one policy convener. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is accessible. Now we must convert it to a actual pathway to a safer world."

Major disagreements revealed

While nations were able to welcome the formal approval of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the primary worldwide framework for confronting the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are unanimity-required, and in a era of global disagreements, agreement is ever harder to reach," commented one international diplomat. "We should not suggest that Cop30 has provided all that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what evidence necessitates remains dangerously wide."

If the world is to avert the most severe impacts of climate collapse, the international negotiations alone will prove insufficient.