Final answer:
The Gulf Stream is responsible for Europe's milder climate despite its northern position, while Africa's warmer temperatures are due to its proximity to the equator.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main factor causing Europe to be colder than Africa is the Gulf Stream, a powerful ocean current. Despite Europe's northern location, akin to Canada in latitude, the Gulf Stream brings warmer waters from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic, creating a milder climate in Europe.
Without this current, Europe would experience much colder temperatures, similar to those in corresponding northern latitudes in North America. Africa, on the other hand, does not benefit from such a warming ocean current and has predominantly warmer temperatures due to its position closer to the equator, affecting its climate.