Which of the following is a main factor affecting climate?

Latitude is indeed a primary factor that affects climate because it determines the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth, which in turn influences temperature and seasonal variations. Regions close to the equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, resulting in warmer temperatures and generally wetter climates. Conversely, areas near the poles receive sunlight at a much lower angle, leading to colder temperatures and drier conditions.

While elevation, population density, and proximity to rivers can influence local climates and weather patterns, latitude fundamentally dictates the larger climate zones across the globe. Elevation affects temperature and precipitation in specific areas, population density is more related to human activity than climate itself, and proximity to rivers can create localized effects such as increased humidity or moderating temperatures but does not have the broad, prevailing impact that latitude has on the overall climate of a region. Thus, latitude stands out as the most significant factor affecting climate on a global scale.