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While dawn illuminated the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, delegates remained confined in a windowless conference room, oblivious whether it was day or night. They had been 12 hours in strained discussions, with numerous ministers representing multiple blocs of countries including the most vulnerable nations to the richest economies.

Tempers were short, the air thick as exhausted delegates confronted the grim reality: they were unlikely to achieve a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The latest global climate summit faced the brink of total collapse.

The major obstacle: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for well over a century, the CO2 emissions produced by burning fossil fuels is heating up our planet to dangerous levels.

Nevertheless, during more than three decades of regular climate meetings, the essential necessity to cease fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a resolution made two years ago at the Dubai climate summit to "shift from fossil fuels". Delegates from the Gulf states, Russia, and several other countries were determined this would not occur another time.

Growing momentum for change

Meanwhile, a expanding group of countries were equally determined that advancement on this issue was vitally needed. They had created a plan that was earning increasing support and made it apparent they were willing to dig in.

Developing countries desperately wanted to move forward on securing funding support to help them cope with the increasingly severe impacts of environmental crises.

Turning point

In the pre-dawn period of Saturday, some delegates were ready to leave and trigger failure. "We were close for us," remarked one national delegate. "I was ready to walk away."

The pivotal moment came through talks with Saudi Arabia. Around 6am, principal delegates split from the main group to hold a private conversation with the lead Saudi negotiator. They urged language that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "shift from fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai.

Unanticipated resolution

As opposed to explicitly referencing fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the UAE consensus". Upon deliberation, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly accepted the wording.

The room collapsed into relief. Celebrations began. The settlement was finalized.

With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took another small step towards the systematic reduction of fossil fuels – a faltering, inadequate step that will minimally impact the climate's steady march towards crisis. But nevertheless a significant departure from complete stagnation.

Major components of the agreement

• In addition to the oblique commitment in the official document, countries will begin work a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels
• This will be primarily a optional undertaking 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 also put off to next year
• Developing countries achieved a tripling to $120bn of yearly funding to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This funding will not be fully available until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "fair adjustment program" to help people working in polluting businesses move toward the renewable industry

Mixed reactions

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

"The summit provided some small advances in the proper course, but given the magnitude of the climate crisis, it has not met the occasion," warned one environmental analyst.

This flawed deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the geopolitical headwinds – including a Washington administration who avoided the talks and remains committed to oil and coal, the increasing presence of rightwing populism, continuing wars in different locations, extreme measures of inequality, and global economic instability.

"Major polluters – the fossil fuel giants – were finally in the crosshairs at these negotiations," says one climate activist. "There is no turning back on that. The platform is accessible. Now we must transform it into a real fire escape to a protected environment."

Major disagreements revealed

While nations were able to celebrate the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also revealed major disagreements in the sole international mechanism for confronting the climate crisis.

"UN negotiations are consensus-based, and in a era of international tensions, consensus is progressively challenging to reach," commented one global leader. "We should not suggest that this summit has provided all that is needed. The difference between present circumstances and what research requires remains concerningly substantial."

Should the world is to avert the worst ravages of climate collapse, the global discussions alone will not be nearly enough.