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As dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, negotiators remained confined in a windowless conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with dozens ministers representing various coalitions of countries including the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Patience wore thin, the air stifling as exhausted delegates confronted the grim reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference teetered on the brink of complete breakdown.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for nearly a century, the greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to critical levels.

Yet, during over three decades of regular climate meetings, the urgent need to stop fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a agreement 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 determined this would not occur another time.

Mounting support for change

Simultaneously, a increasing coalition of countries were similarly resolved that advancement on this issue was urgently necessary. They had formulated a initiative that was earning growing support and made it clear they were willing to dig in.

Less wealthy nations urgently needed to make progress on securing funding support to help them address the increasingly severe impacts of climate disasters.

Critical moment

By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to withdraw and trigger failure. "We were close for us," remarked one national delegate. "I was prepared to walk away."

The breakthrough came through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, principal delegates split from the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the lead Saudi negotiator. They pressed text that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

As opposed to explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly accepted the wording.

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

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took another small step towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a uncertain, limited step that will barely interrupt the climate's steady march towards crisis. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• Alongside the indirect reference in the formal agreement, countries will begin work a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be largely a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries secured a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them manage the impacts of climate disasters
• This sum will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in polluting businesses transition to the renewable industry

Varied responses

As the world hovers near the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could destroy ecosystems and throw whole regions into chaos, the agreement was not the "major breakthrough" needed.

"Negotiators delivered some small advances in the right direction, but considering the magnitude of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," cautioned one environmental analyst.

This limited deal might have been all that was possible, given the political challenges – including a Washington administration who shunned the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the increasing presence of nationalist politics, persistent fighting in various areas, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Major polluters – the fossil fuel giants – were ultimately in the spotlight at the climate summit," says one environmental advocate. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is accessible. Now we must convert it to a actual pathway to a protected environment."

Major disagreements revealed

Although nations were able to celebrate the formal approval of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the only global process for addressing the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are consensus-based, and in a time of global disagreements, consensus is ever harder to reach," stated one international diplomat. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has delivered everything that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what science demands remains concerningly substantial."

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