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When dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, negotiators remained confined in a airless conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. For more than 12 hours in strained discussions, with dozens ministers representing various coalitions of countries ranging from the most vulnerable nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air thick as exhausted delegates acknowledged the grim reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference teetered on the brink of complete breakdown.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

As science has told us for well over a century, the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels is heating up our planet to critical levels.

Yet, during nearly three decades of annual climate meetings, the crucial requirement to halt fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a agreement made two years ago at the Dubai climate summit to "transition away from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and a few other countries were resolved this would not be repeated.

Growing momentum for change

Simultaneously, a growing number of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a initiative that was gathering growing support and made it evident they were willing to hold firm.

Less wealthy nations desperately wanted to move forward on securing financial assistance to help them address the increasingly severe impacts of environmental crises.

Turning point

By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were willing to withdraw and cause breakdown. "The situation was precarious for us," commented one government representative. "I was prepared to walk away."

The pivotal moment came through talks with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, principal delegates split from the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the lead Saudi negotiator. They urged wording that would subtly reference the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

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

Participants showed visible relief. Cheers erupted. The agreement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", 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 catastrophe. But nevertheless a important shift from total inaction.

Major components of the agreement

• In addition to the indirect reference in the official document, countries will start developing a plan to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be largely a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the required reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries obtained a threefold increase to $120bn of annual finance to help them adapt to the impacts of climate disasters
• This sum will not be delivered in full until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors shift to the clean economy

Mixed reactions

While our planet teeters on the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and plunge whole regions into disorder, the agreement was insufficient as the "giant leap" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some baby steps in the correct path, but given the scale of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," warned one climate expert.

This imperfect deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a Washington administration who ignored the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of conservative movements, continuing wars in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Major polluters – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the crosshairs at these negotiations," notes one policy convener. "This represents progress on that. The political space is accessible. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a protected environment."

Deep fissures revealed

Although nations were able to applaud the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also revealed major disagreements in the sole international mechanism for tackling the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are consensus-based, and in a time of international tensions, unanimity is increasingly difficult to reach," stated one senior UN official. "It would be dishonest to claim that this summit has provided all that is needed. The gap between where we are and what evidence necessitates remains alarmingly large."

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