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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. Having spent 12 hours in difficult discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries ranging from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air heavy as exhausted delegates confronted the grim reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit teetered on the brink of total collapse.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for well over a century, the carbon dioxide produced by utilizing fossil fuels is warming our planet to critical levels.

Nevertheless, during nearly three decades of annual climate meetings, the crucial requirement to cease fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a resolution made two years ago at Cop28 to "transition away from fossil fuels". Officials from the Arab Group, Russia, and a few other countries were resolved this would not be repeated.

Mounting support for change

At the same time, a expanding group of countries were similarly resolved that movement on this issue was urgently necessary. They had created a proposal that was gathering growing support and made it evident they were ready to stand their ground.

Developing countries urgently needed to move forward on securing economic resources to help them cope with the increasingly severe impacts of climate disasters.

Breaking point

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to leave and cause breakdown. "The situation was precarious for us," stated one energy minister. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough occurred through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, principal delegates split from the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the head Saudi negotiator. They urged language that would subtly reference the global commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

Rather than explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the previous commitment". After consideration, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly agreed to the wording.

The room showed visible relief. Celebrations began. The deal was finalized.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took an incremental move towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a hesitant, limited step that will minimally impact the climate's continued progression towards crisis. But nevertheless a significant departure from absolute paralysis.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the indirect reference in the legally agreed text, countries will start developing a plan to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be largely a non-binding program led by Brazil that will report back next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to remain below the 1.5C limit was also put off to next year
• Developing countries secured a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This amount will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in high-carbon industries transition to the renewable industry

Varied responses

With global conditions approaches the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could destroy ecosystems and throw whole regions into disorder, the agreement was not the "significant advancement" needed.

"Negotiators delivered some baby steps in the correct path, but considering the severity of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," stated one environmental analyst.

This flawed deal might have been the best attainable, given the political challenges – including a Washington administration who ignored the talks and remains aligned with oil and coal, the increasing presence of conservative movements, persistent fighting in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the spotlight at the climate summit," comments one policy convener. "There is no turning back on that. The platform is available. Now we must transform it into a real fire escape to a protected environment."

Significant divisions revealed

While nations were able to welcome the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the only global process for addressing the climate crisis.

"International summits are agreement-dependent, and in a era of global disagreements, agreement is progressively challenging to reach," observed one global leader. "We should not suggest that this summit has provided all that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what science demands remains alarmingly large."

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