Which factor is primarily responsible for differences in climate zones around the globe?

Latitude is the primary factor responsible for differences in climate zones around the globe because it determines the amount of solar energy that a particular region receives throughout the year. Areas closer to the equator, which is situated at zero degrees latitude, receive more direct sunlight and tend to have warmer climates, often characterized by tropical conditions. As one moves toward the poles, the angle of sunlight decreases, resulting in less solar energy, cooler temperatures, and eventually different climate zones such as temperate and polar climates.

While altitude, proximity to water bodies, and wind patterns also influence local climates, they are secondary factors that interact with the more fundamental control of latitude. For example, altitude can affect temperature and vegetation, and proximity to water can moderate temperatures and influence precipitation patterns. Wind patterns can also redistribute heat and moisture but are ultimately influenced by the latitudinal position of a region. Therefore, latitude is the key factor in establishing the foundational differences we observe in the world's climate zones.