🔗 Share this article 'Major polluters face mounting pressure': UN climate summit escapes complete collapse with desperate deal. When dawn illuminated the Amazonian city of Belém on Saturday morning, representatives remained trapped in a enclosed conference room, unaware whether it was day or night. Having spent 12 hours in difficult discussions, with scores ministers representing multiple blocs of countries from the least developed nations to the most developed economies. Frustration mounted, the air heavy as weary delegates acknowledged the harsh reality: there would not be a comprehensive agreement in Brazil. The 30th UN climate conference teetered on the brink of complete breakdown. The sticking point: Fossil fuels Scientific evidence has shown for nearly a century, the greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels is warming our planet to alarming levels. Yet, during nearly three decades of annual climate meetings, the essential necessity to halt fossil fuel use has been referenced only once – in a decision made two years ago at the Dubai climate summit to "transition away from fossil fuels". Officials from the Arab Group, Russia, and a few other countries were determined this would not happen again. Mounting support for change At the same time, a growing number of countries were similarly resolved that movement on this issue was vitally needed. They had developed a proposal that was attracting growing support and made it apparent they were ready 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. Breaking point By the early hours of Saturday, some delegates were prepared to leave and force a collapse. "We were close for us," commented one energy minister. "I considered to walk away." The pivotal moment happened through discussions with Saudi Arabia. Shortly after 6am, principal delegates separated from the main group to hold a confidential discussion with the lead Saudi negotiator. They pressed language that would obliquely recognise the global commitment to "move beyond fossil fuels" made two years earlier in Dubai. Unanticipated resolution Rather than explicitly mentioning fossil fuels, the text would refer to "the Dubai agreement". Following reflection, the Saudi delegation surprisingly approved the wording. The room expressed relief. Cheers erupted. The agreement was finalized. With what became known as the "Brazil agreement", the world took an incremental move towards the gradual elimination of fossil fuels – a uncertain, inadequate step that will scarcely affect the climate's continued progression towards catastrophe. But nevertheless a important shift from complete stagnation. Key elements of the agreement Alongside the indirect reference in the legally agreed text, countries will begin work a plan to systematically reduce 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 remain below the 1.5C limit was similarly postponed to next year Developing countries achieved a significant expansion to $120bn of regular financial support to help them cope with the impacts of climate disasters This funding will not be completely provided until 2035 Workers will benefit from a "just transition mechanism" to help people working in polluting businesses shift to the clean economy Mixed reactions As the world hovers near the brink of climate "critical thresholds" that could devastate environments and throw whole regions into chaos, the agreement was not the "significant advancement" needed. "The summit provided some small advances in the correct path, but considering the severity of the climate crisis, it has fallen short of the occasion," stated one climate expert. This limited deal might have been the best attainable, given the political challenges – including a Washington administration who avoided the talks and remains wedded to oil and coal, the growing influence of rightwing populism, ongoing conflicts in multiple regions, unacceptable degrees of inequality, and global economic uncertainty. "Major polluters – the energy conglomerates – were ultimately in the spotlight at the climate summit," comments one climate activist. "This represents progress on that. The political space is available. Now we must convert it to a genuine solution to a protected environment." Deep fissures revealed Although nations were able to celebrate the gavelling through of the deal, Cop30 also exposed significant divisions in the sole international mechanism for tackling the climate crisis. "International summits are consensus-based, and in a time of global disagreements, unanimity is progressively challenging to reach," commented one international diplomat. "I cannot pretend that these talks has provided all that is needed. The disparity between present circumstances and what science demands remains concerningly substantial." Should the world is to prevent the most severe impacts of climate collapse, the global discussions alone will fall far short.