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As dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained trapped in a enclosed conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. For more than 12 hours in difficult discussions, with dozens ministers representing 17 groups of countries from the most vulnerable nations to the most developed economies.

Tempers were short, the air heavy as weary delegates faced up to the sobering reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit teetered on the brink of abject failure.

The major obstacle: Fossil fuels

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

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

Growing momentum for change

Meanwhile, a expanding group of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was crucially important. They had formulated a plan that was earning growing support and made it evident they were ready to stand their ground.

Less wealthy nations desperately wanted to make progress on securing economic resources to help them address the increasingly severe impacts of extreme weather.

Breaking point

By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were willing to walk out and trigger failure. "The situation was precarious for us," stated one energy minister. "I considered to walk away."

The pivotal moment occurred through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, principal delegates left the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the head Saudi negotiator. They pressed wording that would subtly reference the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Instead of explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". After consideration, the Saudi delegation surprisingly accepted the wording.

The room collapsed into relief. Cheers erupted. The agreement was done.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took another small step towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a uncertain, inadequate step that will scarcely affect the climate's ongoing trajectory towards disaster. 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 commence creating a framework to systematically reduce fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a voluntary initiative led by Brazil that will provide updates 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 secured a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them cope with the impacts of climate disasters
• This sum will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors shift to the sustainable sector

Mixed reactions

While our planet hovers near the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and force whole regions into chaos, the agreement was insufficient as the "significant advancement" needed.

"Negotiators delivered some baby steps in the correct path, but considering the severity of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," stated one climate expert.

This limited deal might have been all that was possible, given the international tensions – including a Washington administration who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of conservative movements, persistent fighting in multiple regions, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic volatility.

"The climate arsonists – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the spotlight at the climate summit," says one climate activist. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The political space is accessible. Now we must convert it to a real fire escape to a safer world."

Significant divisions revealed

While nations were able to applaud the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also exposed major disagreements in the sole international mechanism for addressing the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are unanimity-required, and in a time of international tensions, unanimity is increasingly difficult to reach," observed one international diplomat. "It would be dishonest to claim that this summit has delivered everything that is needed. The difference between our current position and what evidence necessitates remains dangerously wide."

Should the world is to avoid the worst ravages of climate crisis, the international negotiations alone will not be nearly enough.