Answer:
Elevation is the element that influences climate and deals with height above sea level.
Step-by-step explanation:
''Laititude'' is not correct because it represents the distance (north or south) of a place from the Equator.
''Prevailing winds'' is not correct because they represent the dominant winds in an area.
''Elevation'' is correct because it represents the height of a place measured from the sea level, and it also manages to greatly influence the climate.
''Proximity to water'' is not correct because it represents the distance of a place from a water body (usually larger one).