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When dawn was breaking 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 tense discussions, with scores ministers representing 17 groups of countries including the poorest nations to the most developed economies.

Frustration mounted, the air thick as weary delegates faced up to the harsh reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit faced the brink of complete breakdown.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for well over a century, the CO2 emissions produced by utilizing fossil fuels is warming our planet to alarming levels.

Yet, during nearly three decades of regular climate meetings, the crucial requirement to cease fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a resolution made two years ago at the Dubai climate summit to "shift from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and multiple other countries were adamant this would not happen again.

Increasing pressure for change

Simultaneously, a increasing coalition of countries were similarly resolved that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had developed a proposal that was attracting growing support and made it clear they were prepared to dig in.

Developing countries urgently needed to advance on securing economic resources to help them address the already disastrous impacts of climate disasters.

Critical moment

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

The breakthrough happened through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, senior representatives left the main group to hold a private conversation 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.

Unanticipated resolution

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

Participants showed visible relief. Celebrations began. The deal was done.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took a modest advance towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a uncertain, limited step that will barely interrupt the climate's steady march towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a notable change from absolute paralysis.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the oblique commitment in the official document, countries will start developing a framework to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be largely a non-binding program led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the required reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to remain below the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries secured a threefold increase to $120bn of annual finance to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This funding will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in polluting businesses move toward the renewable industry

Mixed reactions

While our planet approaches the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could destroy ecosystems and plunge whole regions into chaos, the agreement was insufficient as the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some small advances in the proper course, but given the magnitude of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This imperfect deal might have been all that was possible, given the international tensions – including a US president who ignored the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of conservative movements, persistent fighting in multiple regions, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the crosshairs at the climate summit," says one environmental advocate. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is accessible. Now we must transform it into a genuine solution to a protected environment."

Major disagreements revealed

Although nations were able to applaud the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also revealed significant divisions in the sole international mechanism for tackling the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a period of global disagreements, agreement is increasingly difficult to reach," commented one senior UN official. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The disparity between present circumstances and what research requires remains dangerously wide."

If the world is to avoid the gravest consequences of climate collapse, the global discussions alone will prove insufficient.