Why are areas closer to the poles cooler than those closer to the equator?

Areas closer to the poles are cooler than those near the equator primarily due to the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth. Near the equator, sunlight hits the surface more directly, resulting in higher temperatures and more intense solar energy. In contrast, sunlight at the poles arrives at a steeper angle, spreading the energy over a larger area and reducing its intensity. Additionally, the longer duration of daylight in summer and shorter in winter at the poles contributes to temperature variations.