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When dawn illuminated the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained stuck in a enclosed conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in difficult discussions, with dozens ministers representing various coalitions of countries ranging from the most vulnerable nations to the most developed economies.

Patience wore thin, the air heavy as exhausted delegates acknowledged the harsh reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference hovered near the brink of abject failure.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

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

Yet, during over three decades of yearly climate meetings, the urgent need to halt fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a agreement made two years ago at Cop28 to "shift from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Gulf states, Russia, and a few other countries were resolved this would not happen again.

Increasing pressure for change

Simultaneously, a increasing coalition of countries were just as committed that movement on this issue was urgently necessary. They had created a proposal that was attracting expanding support and made it apparent they were ready to stand their ground.

Developing countries urgently needed to advance on securing financial assistance to help them cope with the growing impacts of environmental crises.

Critical moment

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

The pivotal moment came through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, senior representatives separated from the main group to hold a private conversation with the chief Saudi negotiator. They pressed wording that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

As opposed to explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly agreed to the wording.

Delegates collapsed into relief. Celebrations began. The agreement was completed.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took another small step towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a faltering, insufficient step that will scarcely affect the climate's ongoing trajectory towards disaster. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the indirect reference in the legally agreed text, countries will commence creating a roadmap to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be mostly a non-binding program led by Brazil that will provide updates next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to remain below the 1.5C limit was similarly postponed to next year
• Developing countries secured a threefold increase to $120bn of regular financial support to help them manage the impacts of climate disasters
• This funding will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in polluting businesses transition to the renewable industry

Varied responses

As the world approaches the brink of climate "tipping points" that could devastate environments and throw whole regions into crisis, the agreement was far from the "significant advancement" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some small advances in the proper course, but given the scale of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," warned one environmental analyst.

This flawed deal might have been all that was possible, given the international tensions – including a American leader who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the rising tide of conservative movements, continuing wars in multiple regions, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Major polluters – the energy conglomerates – were finally in the spotlight at these negotiations," notes one environmental advocate. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The opportunity is available. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a safer world."

Major disagreements revealed

While nations were able to welcome the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also exposed significant divisions in the sole international mechanism for tackling the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a era of geopolitical divides, agreement is progressively challenging to reach," commented one global leader. "I cannot pretend that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The difference between where we are and what research requires remains dangerously wide."

When the world is to avert the most severe impacts of climate crisis, the global discussions alone will not be nearly enough.