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While dawn illuminated the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, negotiators remained stuck in a windowless conference room, uncertain whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in tense discussions, with scores ministers representing 17 groups of countries ranging from the least developed nations to the most developed economies.

Patience wore thin, the air thick as exhausted delegates faced up to the harsh reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The international climate negotiations hovered near the brink of complete breakdown.

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 dangerous levels.

Yet, during more than three decades of yearly 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". Delegates from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and multiple other countries were determined this would not happen again.

Mounting support for change

Simultaneously, a increasing coalition of countries were similarly resolved that movement on this issue was vitally needed. They had formulated a initiative that was gathering growing support and made it evident they were prepared to hold firm.

Developing countries urgently needed to make progress on securing funding support to help them manage the growing impacts of environmental crises.

Breaking point

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were ready to walk out and cause breakdown. "The situation was precarious for us," remarked one national delegate. "I considered to walk away."

The breakthrough occurred through negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the chief Saudi negotiator. They pressed wording that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unanticipated resolution

Instead of explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation surprisingly approved the wording.

Participants showed visible relief. Applause rang out. The agreement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Belém political package", the world took a modest advance towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a faltering, insufficient step that will barely interrupt the climate's ongoing trajectory towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a significant departure from total inaction.

Major components of the agreement

• In addition to the oblique commitment in the official document, countries will start developing a roadmap to gradually eliminate fossil fuels
• This will be largely a voluntary initiative led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to not exceed the 1.5C limit was also put off to next year
• Developing countries obtained a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them cope with the impacts of environmental crises
• This sum will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in fossil fuel sectors transition to the sustainable sector

Varied responses

While our planet hovers near the brink of climate "irreversible changes" that could eliminate habitats and throw whole regions into chaos, the agreement was not the "giant leap" needed.

"Negotiators delivered some small advances in the correct path, but considering the scale of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," cautioned one climate expert.

This flawed deal might have been all that was possible, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a American leader who shunned the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the growing influence of conservative movements, continuing wars in multiple regions, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Fossil fuel corporations – the fossil fuel giants – were at last in the focus at these negotiations," comments one policy convener. "We have crossed a threshold on that. The platform is open. Now we must turn it into a genuine solution to a safer world."

Major disagreements revealed

Although nations were able to celebrate the formal approval of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the sole international mechanism for tackling the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are unanimity-required, and in a time of international tensions, agreement is progressively challenging to reach," observed one global leader. "We should not suggest that these talks has achieved complete success that is needed. The difference between present circumstances 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.