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When dawn was breaking the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, negotiators remained stuck in a enclosed conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with scores ministers representing 17 groups of countries ranging from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air heavy as exhausted delegates faced up to the grim reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference hovered near the brink of complete breakdown.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for well over a century, the greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels is warming our planet to dangerous levels.

However, during over three decades of regular climate meetings, the urgent need to halt fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a agreement made two years ago at previous UN climate talks to "move beyond fossil fuels". Representatives from the Gulf states, Russia, and multiple other countries were determined this would not be repeated.

Growing momentum for change

Meanwhile, a increasing coalition of countries were similarly resolved that advancement on this issue was vitally needed. They had developed a plan that was attracting expanding support and made it apparent they were willing to hold firm.

Developing countries desperately wanted to move forward on securing funding support to help them cope with the growing impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were willing to walk out and cause breakdown. "It was on the edge for us," commented one energy minister. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough occurred through talks with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, senior representatives separated from the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the chief Saudi negotiator. They encouraged text that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unanticipated resolution

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

The room showed visible relief. Applause rang out. The deal was completed.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took another small step towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a faltering, insufficient step that will scarcely affect the climate's steady march towards disaster. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• Alongside the indirect reference in the formal agreement, countries will start developing a framework to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be largely a voluntary initiative led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to stay within the 1.5C limit was similarly postponed to next year
• Developing countries obtained a threefold increase to $120bn of yearly funding to help them manage the impacts of climate disasters
• This funding will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in high-carbon industries shift to the clean economy

Differing opinions

With global conditions teeters on the brink of climate "tipping points" that could destroy ecosystems and throw whole regions into crisis, the agreement was insufficient as the "major breakthrough" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some baby steps in the proper course, but considering the scale of the climate crisis, it has fallen short of the occasion," warned one climate expert.

This limited deal might have been the best attainable, given the international tensions – including a American leader who ignored the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the rising tide of rightwing populism, persistent fighting in multiple regions, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the crosshairs at these negotiations," comments one environmental advocate. "This represents progress on that. The opportunity is open. Now we must convert it to a actual pathway to a safer world."

Deep fissures revealed

While nations were able to applaud the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the sole international mechanism for confronting the climate crisis.

"International summits are unanimity-required, and in a era of global disagreements, agreement is increasingly difficult to reach," stated one global leader. "I cannot pretend that these talks has delivered everything that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what science demands remains alarmingly large."

If the world is to avoid the worst ravages of climate breakdown, the international negotiations alone will prove insufficient.