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When dawn was breaking the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained confined in a airless conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in strained discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries including the least developed nations to the most developed economies.

Frustration mounted, the air stifling as exhausted delegates faced up to the grim reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit hovered near the brink of abject failure.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for nearly a century, the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to critical levels.

However, during nearly three decades of yearly climate meetings, the essential necessity to stop fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a agreement made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "transition away from fossil fuels". Officials from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and multiple other countries were resolved this would not occur another time.

Growing momentum for change

At the same time, a increasing coalition of countries were equally determined that advancement on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a initiative that was earning increasing support and made it apparent they were willing to stand their ground.

Less wealthy nations desperately wanted to move forward on securing financial assistance to help them address the increasingly severe impacts of climate disasters.

Breaking point

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

The pivotal moment came through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, senior representatives split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the head Saudi negotiator. They pressed text that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

Rather than explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation surprisingly agreed to the wording.

Delegates collapsed into relief. Celebrations began. The settlement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took a modest advance towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a hesitant, inadequate step that will barely interrupt the climate's steady march towards disaster. But nevertheless a notable change from absolute paralysis.

Important aspects of the agreement

• Alongside the subtle acknowledgment in the legally agreed text, countries will start developing a roadmap to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be largely a non-binding program led by Brazil that will report back next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to remain below the 1.5C limit was similarly postponed to next year
• Developing countries obtained a tripling to $120bn of yearly funding to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This sum will not be delivered in full until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in polluting businesses shift to the sustainable sector

Mixed reactions

As the world approaches the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could devastate environments and throw whole regions into chaos, the agreement was not the "giant leap" needed.

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

This flawed deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the international tensions – including a US president who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of nationalist politics, ongoing conflicts in multiple regions, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Major polluters – the fossil fuel giants – were at last in the spotlight at these negotiations," says one environmental advocate. "There is no turning back on that. The opportunity is available. Now we must transform it into a real fire escape to a protected environment."

Deep fissures revealed

Even as nations were able to applaud the formal approval of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted deep fissures in the sole international mechanism for tackling the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are agreement-dependent, and in a period of global disagreements, agreement is ever harder to reach," commented one international diplomat. "We should not suggest that this summit has provided all that is needed. The gap between where we are and what science demands remains concerningly substantial."

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