As of this week, New York is the world's worst city for air quality and pollution, according to IQAir. 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 a smell of burning in the air. A "red alert" for air quality has been issued for more than 75 million people 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, but as the atmosphere continues to warm, causing heatwaves and prolonged periods of drought, wildfires too become more frequent and intense.