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When dawn illuminated the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained stuck in a enclosed conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with scores ministers representing 17 groups of countries including the least developed nations to the wealthiest economies.

Frustration mounted, the air thick as weary delegates faced up to the sobering reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference faced the brink of complete breakdown.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for more than a century, the carbon dioxide produced by consuming fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to critical levels.

However, during more than three decades of regular climate meetings, the crucial requirement to halt fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a agreement made two years ago at Cop28 to "transition away from fossil fuels". Representatives from the Gulf states, Russia, and several other countries were determined this would not occur another time.

Mounting support for change

Meanwhile, a increasing coalition of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was crucially important. They had developed a plan that was gathering expanding support and made it evident they were prepared to stand their ground.

Emerging economies strongly sought to make progress on securing funding support to help them address the already disastrous impacts of extreme weather.

Critical moment

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to leave and force a collapse. "The situation was precarious for us," remarked one national delegate. "I considered to walk away."

The pivotal moment came through talks with Saudi Arabia. Near 6am, senior representatives separated from the main group to hold a private conversation 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

Rather than explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the previous commitment". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly approved the wording.

Delegates expressed relief. Cheers erupted. The settlement was done.

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took a modest advance towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a uncertain, insufficient step that will barely interrupt the climate's continued progression towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the indirect reference in the official document, countries will begin work a plan to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a non-binding program led by Brazil that will report back 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 achieved a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them manage the impacts of climate disasters
• This funding will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in polluting businesses shift to the renewable industry

Mixed reactions

While our planet hovers near the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could destroy ecosystems and force whole regions into crisis, the agreement was far from the "giant leap" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some modest progress in the correct path, but given the severity of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," stated one policy director.

This imperfect deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a Washington administration who shunned the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the increasing presence of nationalist politics, ongoing conflicts in various areas, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the fossil fuel giants – were at last in the focus at these negotiations," says one environmental advocate. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The political space is accessible. Now we must turn it into a real fire escape to a safer world."

Significant divisions revealed

While nations were able to applaud the gavelling through 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 era of international tensions, consensus is ever harder to reach," observed one global leader. "I cannot pretend that this summit has delivered everything that is needed. The gap between present circumstances and what research requires remains concerningly substantial."

Should the world is to prevent the gravest consequences of climate breakdown, the UN climate talks alone will not be nearly enough.