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While dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained confined in a windowless conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. They had been 12 hours in difficult discussions, with dozens ministers representing 17 groups of countries ranging from the least developed nations to the wealthiest economies.

Tempers were short, the air thick as sweaty delegates confronted the grim reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit hovered near the brink of abject failure.

The major obstacle: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for more than a century, the CO2 emissions produced by consuming fossil fuels is heating up our planet to dangerous levels.

Nevertheless, during more than three decades of annual climate meetings, the urgent need to halt fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a resolution made two years ago at Cop28 to "transition away from fossil fuels". Officials from the Arab Group, Russia, and multiple other countries were determined this would not occur another time.

Increasing pressure for change

At the same time, a expanding group of countries were similarly resolved that movement on this issue was urgently necessary. They had formulated a proposal that was attracting expanding support and made it evident they were prepared to dig in.

Developing countries urgently needed to make progress on securing funding support to help them address the already disastrous impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were willing to leave and cause breakdown. "It was on the edge for us," remarked one national delegate. "I was prepared to walk away."

The breakthrough came through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the head Saudi negotiator. They urged wording that would subtly reference the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

As opposed to explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". After consideration, the Saudi delegation surprisingly accepted the wording.

The room showed visible relief. Applause rang out. The agreement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took an incremental move towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a hesitant, insufficient step that will minimally impact the climate's ongoing trajectory towards crisis. But nevertheless a significant departure from absolute paralysis.

Important aspects of the agreement

• Complementing the subtle acknowledgment in the legally agreed text, countries will start developing a framework to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be largely a optional undertaking 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 likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries obtained a threefold increase to $120bn of annual finance to help them adapt to the impacts of environmental crises
• This sum will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in high-carbon industries move toward the sustainable sector

Mixed reactions

As the world teeters on the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could eliminate habitats and force whole regions into disorder, the agreement was not the "giant leap" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some modest progress in the correct path, but given the severity of the climate crisis, it has fallen short of the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This imperfect deal might have been all that was possible, given the political challenges – including a Washington administration who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the increasing presence of nationalist politics, persistent fighting in multiple regions, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"The climate arsonists – the fossil fuel giants – were ultimately in the crosshairs at these negotiations," says one climate activist. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is open. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a safer world."

Major disagreements revealed

While nations were able to celebrate the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the only global process for confronting the climate crisis.

"International summits are unanimity-required, and in a time of geopolitical divides, unanimity is increasingly difficult to reach," stated one senior UN official. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what science demands remains dangerously wide."

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