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As dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained stuck in a enclosed conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. For more than 12 hours in strained discussions, with numerous ministers representing various coalitions of countries ranging from the most vulnerable nations to the most developed economies.

Patience wore thin, the air heavy as exhausted delegates confronted the grim reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations hovered near the brink of total collapse.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

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

However, during over three decades of regular climate meetings, the urgent need to cease fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a resolution made two years ago at Cop28 to "shift from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and several other countries were adamant this would not occur another time.

Mounting support for change

Meanwhile, a expanding group of countries were equally determined that movement on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a plan that was attracting increasing support and made it clear they were ready to dig in.

Developing countries desperately wanted to move forward on securing funding support to help them cope with the already disastrous impacts of extreme weather.

Critical moment

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

The breakthrough happened through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, senior representatives left the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the lead Saudi negotiator. They urged wording that would indirectly acknowledge the global commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

As opposed to explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". After consideration, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly approved the wording.

The room collapsed into relief. Celebrations began. The deal was completed.

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took a modest advance towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a faltering, insufficient step that will barely interrupt the climate's steady march towards crisis. But nevertheless a significant departure from absolute paralysis.

Key elements of the agreement

• Alongside the oblique commitment in the official document, countries will begin work a framework to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be mostly a non-binding program led by Brazil that will report back next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was also put off to next year
• Developing countries obtained a tripling to $120bn of annual finance to help them cope with the impacts of extreme weather
• This amount 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 clean economy

Differing opinions

With global conditions approaches the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could destroy ecosystems and throw whole regions into crisis, the agreement was far from the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some modest progress in the correct path, but considering the magnitude of the climate crisis, it has fallen short of the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This limited deal might have been all that was possible, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a American leader who ignored the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the increasing presence of nationalist politics, persistent fighting in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the spotlight at the climate summit," says one climate activist. "This represents progress on that. The platform is open. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a safer world."

Significant divisions revealed

While nations were able to celebrate the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted major disagreements in the only global process for confronting the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are agreement-dependent, and in a time of geopolitical divides, consensus is progressively challenging to reach," stated one global leader. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has provided all that is needed. The difference between where we are and what science demands remains concerningly substantial."

Should the world is to avoid the worst ravages of climate breakdown, the international negotiations alone will not be nearly enough.