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While dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained confined in a airless conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. For more than 12 hours in tense discussions, with dozens ministers representing 17 groups of countries ranging from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air thick as weary delegates acknowledged the grim reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations hovered near the brink of total collapse.

The major obstacle: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for nearly a century, the CO2 emissions produced by consuming fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to alarming levels.

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

Growing momentum for change

Meanwhile, a increasing coalition of countries were similarly resolved that progress on this issue was crucially important. They had formulated a proposal that was attracting growing support and made it clear they were willing to stand their ground.

Less wealthy nations urgently needed to move forward on securing financial assistance to help them manage the growing impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were ready to withdraw and force a collapse. "It was on the edge for us," remarked one government representative. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough happened through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the head Saudi negotiator. They encouraged wording that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Surprising consensus

Instead of 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 deal was completed.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took a modest advance towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a hesitant, limited step that will barely interrupt the climate's continued progression towards crisis. But nevertheless a important shift from total inaction.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the indirect reference in the formal agreement, countries will begin work a plan to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be largely a non-binding program led by Brazil that will provide updates 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 obtained a threefold increase to $120bn of regular financial support to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This sum will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors move toward the renewable industry

Varied responses

As the world hovers near the brink of climate "tipping points" that could destroy ecosystems and force whole regions into crisis, the agreement was far from the "major breakthrough" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some small advances in the right direction, but given the severity of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," warned one environmental analyst.

This imperfect deal might have been all that was possible, given the international tensions – including a US president who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of nationalist politics, persistent fighting in different locations, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic instability.

"The climate arsonists – the energy conglomerates – were finally in the focus at Cop30," says one policy convener. "There is no turning back on that. The opportunity is accessible. Now we must transform it into a actual pathway to a safer world."

Significant divisions revealed

While nations were able to welcome the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also revealed significant divisions in the primary worldwide framework for confronting the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are unanimity-required, and in a period of geopolitical divides, unanimity is progressively challenging to reach," observed one international diplomat. "I cannot pretend that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what evidence necessitates remains dangerously wide."

If the world is to prevent the most severe impacts of climate collapse, the UN climate talks alone will fall far short.