Which factor is key in influencing climate?

Latitude is a crucial factor in influencing climate because it determines the angle and intensity of sunlight that a location receives throughout the year. Areas near the equator, for instance, receive more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures, while regions closer to the poles receive sunlight at a much lower angle, resulting in cooler temperatures. This difference in solar energy distribution is fundamental in shaping climate patterns, such as the distinction between tropical, temperate, and polar climates.

While humidity levels, wind speed, and altitude all play important roles in particular weather conditions and localized climates, they do not have the broad and fundamental impact on climate classification that latitude does. Latitude establishes the base at which solar energy is received, which is essential to understanding why different regions experience varied climates.