‘My Family Is Dying Of Drought’: Indian Student Confronts Nvidia Exec Over AI’s Climate Cost | Video

A confrontation between an Indian student and Nvidia’s head of sustainability, Josh Parker, over the environmental impact of artificial intelligence has gone viral after protesters disrupted a Climate Week NYC panel in New York on September 23. The student linked the rapid growth of AI infrastructure to water and energy consumption, while raising concerns about drought affecting his family in India. The protest has since drawn attention to the growing debate over the environmental cost of data centres and the resources needed to operate them.

The incident took place on September 23 during a panel discussion in New York featuring Nvidia’s head of sustainability, Josh Parker. Videos from the event show student protesters repeatedly interrupting

the session and accusing the company of contributing to climate change through the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.

‘How many more people will die?’

One protester attracted particular attention after connecting the issue to drought conditions in India. “Parker, shame on you! My family in India are dying from drought because of you. How many more people are going to die? You say you care about sustainability? You emitted 15 million tonnes of CO2,” the protester said. He was escorted out of the event along with other protesters who disrupted the discussion.

Another protester questioned the environmental impact of data centres and large technology companies.

“How dare you sit there when people are suffering from the consequences of data centres and AI. These corporations and data centres are responsible for climate disaster,” the protester said.

The demonstrators also criticised Nvidia’s business dealings with Israel. One protester alleged that Nvidia’s AI chips were being used by the Israeli military.

According to reports, the protest was organised by activists associated with the Sunrise Movement. The group said the action was intended to challenge what it described as corporate “greenwashing” and draw attention to the environmental consequences of the AI boom.

Student protesters have interrupted an Nvidia panel during Climate Week NYC, shouting about the environmental impact of data centres and the company’s business ties with Israel. pic.twitter.com/b4Rc504pRK

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 26, 2026

Why India’s water crisis is part of the debate

The Indian protester’s comments have also drawn attention to concerns over the expansion of data centres in water-stressed parts of India. The issue has gained fresh attention following criticism from Opposition leaders in Maharashtra over plans to expand the state’s data centre industry while several areas continue to face drought-like conditions. Recent reports have raised concerns about industrial water consumption as large parts of the state face water scarcity.

Environmental researchers and policy analysts have also raised concerns about the water required to cool modern AI infrastructure.

According to a recent analysis by Down To Earth, most data centres in India use evaporative cooling systems, in which large volumes of water are used to remove heat generated by servers.

Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge told the state Assembly earlier this year that each megawatt of data centre capacity requires around 25 million litres of water annually.

The report estimated that India’s operational data centre capacity of 1.5 gigawatts could require approximately 37.5 billion litres of water every year. Data centre capacity is also projected to grow sharply by 2030.

AI’s growing water footprint

Critics say the environmental cost of AI goes beyond electricity consumption.

A Times of India report on AI’s water footprint said around 80% of water used in evaporative cooling systems is lost through evaporation. The report cited research estimating that global AI infrastructure could consume between 4.2 billion and 6.6 billion cubic metres of water annually by 2027.

It also noted that many data centres are being built in regions already facing water stress, raising concerns about competition for limited freshwater resources.

Down To Earth similarly reported that nearly three-fourths of India’s data centres are located in water-stressed regions, including Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.