Economic factors tend to have the biggest impact on the character of a place but changes may also result from:
migration and conflict
terrorism
industrial accidents
natural disasters
climate change
External forces can bring about change, which can be both positive and negative e.g. government policies, decisions of multinational corporations, impacts of international or global institutions (WHO, UN, World Bank etc.)
Government policies
Regeneration schemes can attract businesses and stimulate a positive multiplier effect
