The Impact of Setting on Themes of Decay and Loss

Examine the following excerpt from a novel:

As the sun set over the dilapidated factory district, shadows danced among the crumbling bricks. The acrid scent of smoke mingled with the sharp tang of rust, creating a somber atmosphere that seemed to swallow the last vestiges of daylight. Ratty signs hung limply, offering haunted memories of a once-bustling hub, now stifled under layers of neglect. Streetlamps flickered sporadically, casting a ghostly glow where laughter and camaraderie once thrived, replaced by the echo of footsteps and distant sirens.

Consider how the setting in this excerpt serves to enhance the themes of decay and loss. Which of the following elements best illustrates the impact of the setting on the overall narrative?