What is the primary source of energy for the Earth?

The primary source of energy for the Earth is solar energy. This is because the Sun emits an immense amount of energy in the form of light and heat, which reaches the Earth and drives many natural processes. Solar energy is crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, forming the foundation of the food chain.

Additionally, solar energy influences weather patterns, ocean currents, and the Earth's climate system. It also contributes to the wind and hydrological cycles. Other forms of energy, such as geothermal, nuclear, and wind, are important and can be harnessed for various applications, but they originate from processes ultimately driven by solar energy or are much less significant when considering the Earth's overall energy balance. Therefore, solar energy is the fundamental source that sustains life and drives environmental systems on our planet.