To what extent ICT (information & commincation technology) affects the environment?

Question

1.the impacts and opportunities created by the physical existence of ICTs and the processes involved (first order effects);
2.the impacts and opportunities created by the ongoing use and application of ICTs (second order effects); and
3.the impacts and opportunities created by the aggregated effects of large numbers of people using ICTs over the medium to long term (third order effects).

Answer 1

Smells like homework. :)

First order effect: what's that PC do to the landfill when you toss it out?

Second order effect: the smoke from the electric plant powering your PC.

Third order effect: Balancing the increased electricity use with less gasoline burnt by telecommuters.

That's nowhere near complete, but gives a hint for each category.