🔗 Share this article

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 difficult discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries ranging from the poorest nations to the richest economies.

Frustration mounted, the air thick as weary delegates confronted the grim reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference teetered on the brink of abject failure.

The sticking point: Fossil fuels

Scientific evidence has shown for nearly a century, the greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels is heating up our planet to alarming levels.

Yet, during nearly three decades of yearly climate meetings, the urgent need to halt fossil fuel use has been addressed only once – in a resolution made two years ago at Cop28 to "move beyond fossil fuels". Officials from the Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and multiple other countries were resolved this would not be repeated.

Growing momentum for change

At the same time, a increasing coalition of countries were just as committed that progress on this issue was vitally needed. They had formulated a plan that was attracting increasing support and made it apparent they were willing to hold firm.

Developing countries strongly sought to make progress on securing financial assistance to help them address the growing impacts of environmental crises.

Turning point

During the night of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to withdraw and trigger failure. "The situation was precarious for us," commented one government representative. "I was ready to walk away."

The pivotal moment happened through talks with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, key negotiators split from the main group to hold a closed-door meeting with the lead Saudi negotiator. They urged language that would indirectly acknowledge 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 UAE consensus". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation unexpectedly agreed to the wording.

Delegates showed visible relief. Celebrations began. The deal was finalized.

With what became known as the "Amazon accord", the world took another small step towards the phaseout of fossil fuels – a hesitant, inadequate step that will barely interrupt the climate's continued progression towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a notable change from complete stagnation.

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 mostly a optional undertaking led by Brazil that will deliver findings next year
• Addressing the essential decreases in greenhouse gas emissions to stay within the 1.5C limit was also put off to next year
• Developing countries secured a tripling to $120bn of annual finance to help them adapt to the impacts of extreme weather
• This funding will not be completely provided until 2035
• Workers will benefit from a "equitable change process" to help people working in polluting businesses shift to the sustainable sector

Differing opinions

While our planet teeters on the brink of climate "tipping points" that could devastate environments and throw whole regions into disorder, the agreement was not the "giant leap" needed.

"Cop30 gave us some modest progress in the right direction, but in light of the severity of the climate crisis, it has failed to rise to the occasion," warned one climate expert.

This imperfect deal might have been the maximum achievable, given the international tensions – including a US president who shunned the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the rising tide of conservative movements, persistent fighting in different locations, intolerable levels of inequality, and global economic uncertainty.

"Major polluters – the oil and gas companies – were ultimately in the crosshairs at these negotiations," says one environmental advocate. "This represents progress on that. The opportunity is available. Now we must turn it into a real fire escape to a more secure planet."

Deep fissures revealed

Even as nations were able to celebrate the official adoption of the deal, Cop30 also highlighted significant divisions in the primary worldwide framework for addressing the climate crisis.

"Climate conferences are consensus-based, and in a time of global disagreements, unanimity is ever harder to reach," observed one international diplomat. "It would be dishonest to claim that these talks has provided all that is needed. The gap between where we are and what research requires remains alarmingly large."

Should the world is to avert the most severe impacts of climate crisis, the UN climate talks alone will fall far short.