What is one major factor affecting the climate on Earth compared to Mars?

The major factor affecting the climate on Earth compared to Mars is the presence of liquid water. Earth has abundant liquid water, which plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, supporting life, and influencing weather patterns. Water absorbs and retains heat, helping to maintain a stable climate. Additionally, the presence of oceans contributes to a dynamic hydrological cycle that redistributes heat across the planet.

In contrast, Mars lacks sufficient liquid water due to its thin atmosphere and lower surface pressure. This absence of liquid water leads to extreme temperature fluctuations and limits the potential for life, significantly affecting its climate. The capacity for life and the stability of climate systems on a planet are profoundly tied to the availability of liquid water, making this factor the most defining difference in climate dynamics between Earth and Mars.