Indian Student Confronts Nvidia Executive Over AI Data Center Water and Carbon Impact at Climate Week NYC

At Climate Week NYC on September 23, an Indian student confronted Nvidia's head of sustainability Josh Parker, blaming the company's AI infrastructure for worsening drought in his home region. The protester claimed Nvidia emitted 15 million tonnes of CO2 and challenged the firm's sustainability narrative. Videos of the exchange went viral, putting the environmental cost of AI data centers under a broader spotlight. Nvidia says it matched 100% of its global electricity use with clean energy and is improving data center efficiency. But the incident highlights a growing tension: while AI expands rapidly, its water and energy demands are rising, particularly in water-stressed areas like India. Reports project India's data center water use will more than double by 2030, raising questions about whether voluntary corporate pledges can keep pace with local environmental pressures.