As of this week, New York is the world's worst city for air quality and pollution, according to IQAir(opens in a new tab). A huge cloud of smoke has descended on the megapolis and across other northeastern U.S. states, originating from the raging wildfires in Canada.

States such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan have all been severely affected, with locals reporting(opens in a new tab) a smell of burning in the air. A "red alert" for air quality(opens in a new tab) has been issued for more than 75 million people(opens in a new tab) in the area. Many events have been cancelled as authorities urge people to remain indoors, and it is still uncertain when the haze will lift.

Wildfires can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem(opens in a new tab), but as the atmosphere continues to warm, causing heatwaves and prolonged periods of drought, wildfires too become more frequent and intense.