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As dawn crept over the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained trapped in a windowless conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in difficult discussions, with dozens ministers representing multiple blocs of countries from the least developed nations to the wealthiest economies.

Tempers were short, the air stifling as weary delegates confronted the sobering reality: they would not reach a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations teetered on the brink of total collapse.

The central impasse: Fossil fuels

Research has demonstrated for more than a century, the carbon dioxide produced by utilizing fossil fuels is increasing temperatures on our planet to dangerous levels.

Yet, during nearly three decades of yearly climate meetings, the urgent need to halt fossil fuel use has been mentioned only once – in a resolution made two years ago at Cop28 to "shift from fossil fuels". Representatives from the Arab Group, Russia, and multiple other countries were determined this would not occur another time.

Increasing pressure for change

At the same time, a increasing coalition of countries were just as committed that advancement on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a plan that was earning growing support and made it evident they were prepared to hold firm.

Less wealthy nations desperately wanted to advance on securing financial assistance to help them manage the already disastrous impacts of climate disasters.

Turning point

During the night of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to withdraw and trigger failure. "We were close for us," remarked one national delegate. "I was ready to walk away."

The pivotal moment came through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, senior representatives split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the chief Saudi negotiator. They encouraged text that would indirectly acknowledge the global commitment to "transition away from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unexpected agreement

Rather than explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". Upon deliberation, the Saudi delegation surprisingly agreed to the wording.

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

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took a modest advance towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a faltering, insufficient step that will barely interrupt the climate's steady march towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a notable change from total inaction.

Key elements of the agreement

• In addition to the subtle acknowledgment in the legally agreed text, countries will begin work a plan to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was likewise deferred to next year
• Developing countries obtained a significant expansion to $120bn of yearly funding to help them cope with the impacts of environmental crises
• This funding will not be delivered in full until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in polluting businesses shift to the sustainable sector

Differing opinions

With global conditions approaches the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could eliminate habitats and force whole regions into disorder, the agreement was insufficient as the "major breakthrough" needed.

"The summit provided some modest progress in the correct path, but given the severity of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," stated one climate expert.

This flawed deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a US president who avoided the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the growing influence of nationalist politics, ongoing conflicts in different locations, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the oil and gas companies – were ultimately in the spotlight at these negotiations," notes one climate activist. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The political space is available. Now we must transform it into a real fire escape to a more secure planet."

Major disagreements revealed

Even as nations were able to celebrate the formal approval of the deal, Cop30 also revealed deep fissures in the sole international mechanism for addressing the climate crisis.

"International summits are consensus-based, and in a period of global disagreements, consensus is progressively challenging to reach," commented one senior UN official. "It would be dishonest to claim that this summit has delivered everything that is needed. The disparity between where we are and what evidence necessitates remains concerningly substantial."

If the world is to avoid the most severe impacts of climate crisis, the global discussions alone will fall far short.