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As dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained trapped in a enclosed conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries ranging from the least developed nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air thick as weary delegates faced up to the harsh reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of complete breakdown.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for well over a century, the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels is heating up our planet to dangerous levels.

However, during nearly three decades of regular climate meetings, the crucial requirement to halt fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a agreement made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "transition away from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and several other countries were resolved this would not happen again.

Mounting support for change

At the same time, a expanding group of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a plan that was gathering growing support and made it apparent they were willing to stand their ground.

Emerging economies urgently needed to move forward on securing economic resources to help them manage the increasingly severe impacts of environmental crises.

Turning point

By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were willing to withdraw and trigger failure. "We were close for us," stated one government representative. "I was ready to walk away."

The critical development occurred through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, key negotiators left the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the lead Saudi negotiator. They pressed wording that would subtly reference the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unanticipated resolution

As opposed to explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". Upon deliberation, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly agreed to the wording.

The room showed visible relief. Applause rang out. The settlement was completed.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took another small step towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a uncertain, inadequate step that will scarcely affect the climate's continued progression towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a significant departure from total inaction.

Major components of the agreement

• In addition to the indirect reference in the official document, countries will commence creating a plan to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a voluntary initiative led by Brazil that will provide updates next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries achieved a threefold increase to $120bn of yearly funding to help them manage the impacts of extreme weather
• This amount will not be delivered in full until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors shift to the clean economy

Differing opinions

As the world approaches the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and force whole regions into chaos, the agreement was far from the "significant advancement" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some baby steps in the proper course, but in light of 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 geopolitical headwinds – including a US president who shunned the talks and remains aligned with oil and coal, the rising tide of conservative movements, persistent fighting in multiple regions, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the oil and gas companies – were at last in the spotlight at these negotiations," comments one policy convener. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is accessible. Now we must convert it to a real fire escape to a safer world."

Deep fissures revealed

Although nations were able to celebrate the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted major disagreements in the primary worldwide framework for confronting the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a period of geopolitical divides, consensus is ever harder to reach," stated one global leader. "We should not suggest that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The gap between where we are and what evidence necessitates remains concerningly substantial."

When the world is to prevent the gravest consequences of climate breakdown, the UN climate talks alone will fall far short.