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As dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained stuck in a windowless conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. For more than 12 hours in tense discussions, with scores ministers representing various coalitions of countries from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Frustration mounted, the air heavy as sweaty delegates faced up to the sobering reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit teetered on the brink of complete breakdown.

The major obstacle: Fossil fuels

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

However, during over three decades of annual climate meetings, the crucial requirement to halt fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a agreement made two years ago at Cop28 to "transition away from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and several other countries were resolved this would not be repeated.

Growing momentum for change

At the same time, a growing number of countries were equally determined that advancement on this issue was vitally needed. They had developed a initiative that was gathering growing support and made it evident they were willing to stand their ground.

Developing countries strongly sought to move forward on securing financial assistance to help them manage the already disastrous impacts of environmental crises.

Critical moment

During the night of Saturday, some delegates were ready to withdraw and cause breakdown. "We were close for us," stated one government representative. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough came through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, senior representatives split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the chief Saudi negotiator. They encouraged language that would subtly reference the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unanticipated resolution

Rather than explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Upon deliberation, the Saudi delegation unforeseeably agreed to the wording.

The room showed visible relief. Celebrations began. The settlement was done.

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took another small step towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a uncertain, inadequate step that will scarcely affect the climate's ongoing trajectory towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a notable change from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the subtle acknowledgment in the formal agreement, countries will begin work a framework to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a optional undertaking 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 similarly postponed to next year
• Developing countries achieved a threefold increase to $120bn of yearly funding to help them manage the impacts of environmental crises
• This amount will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in polluting businesses transition to the clean economy

Differing opinions

As the world hovers near the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could devastate environments and throw whole regions into chaos, the agreement was not the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some baby steps in the proper course, but considering the scale of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," stated one policy director.

This flawed deal might have been all that was possible, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a US president who ignored the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the rising tide of conservative movements, ongoing conflicts in different locations, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the oil and gas companies – were ultimately in the spotlight at these negotiations," says one policy convener. "There is no turning back on that. The political space is accessible. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a more secure planet."

Significant divisions revealed

Although nations were able to celebrate the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted major disagreements in the sole international mechanism for addressing the climate crisis.

"International summits are unanimity-required, and in a period of geopolitical divides, consensus is progressively challenging to reach," stated one international diplomat. "It would be dishonest to claim that Cop30 has delivered everything that is needed. The gap between our current position and what evidence necessitates remains concerningly substantial."

If the world is to prevent the worst ravages of climate crisis, the global discussions alone will fall far short.