Conduction and convection transfer energy across the surface of the earth in a process called sensible heat flux. The poles receive energy from the tropics by atmospheric circulation caused by advection as the energy warms the air.
Latent heat flux uses water vapor to transfer energy. Circulation of the air moves the vapor upward and horizontally, which will cause it to condense and fall as precipitation, releasing its locked-in heat energy.
Radiant energy from the sun also is absorbed by the oceans and then converted into heat. Conduction and convection carry warm surface water deeper into the water in columns. This creates the ocean currents that move warm water and energy around the globe, warming colder locations.