What is the main source of energy for Earth's climate system?

The main source of energy for Earth's climate system is the Sun. Solar energy drives atmospheric processes and influences weather patterns, ocean currents, and the overall climate. The Sun emits radiation, which is absorbed by the Earth's surface, leading to the warming of land, water, and air. This energy then powers various natural phenomena, including the water cycle, wind patterns, and the formation of ocean currents.

Understanding solar influence is critical because it is the primary source that regulates temperatures and creates the conditions necessary for life on Earth. Without the Sun's energy, the planet would be inhospitable, and the processes that define weather and climate would not occur in the same manner. While volcanic activity, ocean currents, and wind patterns all play significant roles in the climate system, their effects are primarily dependent on the energy supplied by the Sun.