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

Patience wore thin, the air thick as weary delegates faced up to the harsh reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit hovered near the brink of abject failure.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for well over a century, the CO2 emissions produced by burning fossil fuels is warming our planet to critical levels.

However, during more than three decades of yearly climate meetings, the crucial requirement to cease fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a decision made two years ago at the Dubai climate summit to "transition away from fossil fuels". Representatives from the Gulf states, Russia, and multiple other countries were adamant this would not be repeated.

Mounting support for change

Simultaneously, a growing number of countries were equally determined that advancement on this issue was crucially important. They had created a initiative that was attracting increasing support and made it evident they were prepared to stand their ground.

Developing countries urgently needed to make progress on securing funding support to help them cope with the increasingly severe impacts of environmental crises.

Breaking point

During the night of Saturday, some delegates were willing to walk out and trigger failure. "We were close for us," commented one government representative. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough occurred through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the head Saudi negotiator. They encouraged text that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

Instead of explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly agreed to the wording.

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

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 catastrophe. But nevertheless a significant departure from complete stagnation.

Important aspects 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 primarily a voluntary initiative led by Brazil that will report back next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries obtained a tripling to $120bn of annual finance to help them adapt to the impacts of climate disasters
• This funding will not be delivered in full until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors shift to the clean economy

Mixed reactions

While our planet teeters on the brink of climate "tipping points" that could destroy ecosystems and plunge whole regions into disorder, the agreement was not the "significant advancement" needed.

"The summit provided some modest progress in the proper course, but given the magnitude of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This imperfect deal might have been the best attainable, given the international tensions – including a US president who ignored the talks and remains aligned with oil and coal, the growing influence of nationalist politics, continuing wars in multiple regions, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were at last in the crosshairs at Cop30," says one climate activist. "This represents progress on that. The opportunity is open. Now we must transform it into a genuine solution to a safer world."

Deep fissures revealed

Even as nations were able to welcome the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also revealed major disagreements in the primary worldwide framework for tackling the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a era of international tensions, consensus is ever harder to reach," observed one international diplomat. "We should not suggest that these talks has delivered everything that is needed. The difference between our current position and what science demands remains alarmingly large."

When the world is to prevent the gravest consequences of climate crisis, the global discussions alone will prove insufficient.