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While dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, negotiators remained stuck in a windowless conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with dozens ministers representing 17 groups of countries ranging from the most vulnerable nations to the wealthiest economies.

Frustration mounted, the air stifling as sweaty delegates faced up to the harsh reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of total collapse.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for more than a century, the CO2 emissions produced by consuming fossil fuels is warming our planet to dangerous levels.

Yet, during nearly three decades of annual 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 "move beyond fossil fuels". Representatives from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and several other countries were adamant this would not be repeated.

Mounting support for change

Simultaneously, a growing number of countries were similarly resolved that progress on this issue was urgently necessary. They had formulated a plan that was earning increasing support and made it evident they were ready to stand their ground.

Less wealthy nations urgently needed to make progress on securing financial assistance to help them cope with the increasingly severe impacts of climate disasters.

Breaking point

During the night of Saturday, some delegates were ready to withdraw and cause breakdown. "The situation was precarious for us," remarked one government representative. "I considered to walk away."

The pivotal moment occurred through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the head Saudi negotiator. They encouraged language that would indirectly acknowledge the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Instead of explicitly namechecking fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the previous commitment". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly accepted the wording.

The room expressed relief. Celebrations began. The settlement was done.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took another small step towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a hesitant, insufficient step that will minimally impact the climate's steady march towards crisis. But nevertheless a notable change from complete stagnation.

Important aspects of the agreement

• In addition to the subtle acknowledgment in the official document, countries will commence creating a plan to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will provide updates 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 achieved a tripling to $120bn of regular financial support to help them cope with the impacts of environmental crises
• This funding will not be delivered in full until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors move toward the renewable industry

Varied responses

While our planet approaches the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and throw whole regions into chaos, the agreement was far from the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some modest progress in the proper course, but in light of the severity of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," warned one environmental analyst.

This limited deal might have been all that was possible, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a American leader who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the rising tide of rightwing populism, continuing wars in different locations, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Major polluters – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the crosshairs at Cop30," comments one environmental advocate. "This represents progress on that. The platform is open. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a more secure planet."

Major disagreements revealed

While nations were able to applaud the formal approval of the deal, Cop30 also exposed major disagreements in the sole international mechanism for addressing the climate crisis.

"International summits are agreement-dependent, and in a era of international tensions, unanimity is progressively challenging to reach," observed one senior UN official. "I cannot pretend that Cop30 has achieved complete success that is needed. The difference between where we are and what science demands remains dangerously wide."

If the world is to avert the worst ravages of climate breakdown, the UN climate talks alone will prove insufficient.