ICT and environmental impact – UGC NET Question

Statement D is the only wrong statement because ICT use clearly affects energy consumption, resource use and e-waste generation, so it is linked to environmental sustainability. Statements A, B and C correctly identify concerns and mitigation strategies such as data centre energy use, efficient technologies and digital documents. Claiming that ICT has no relationship with sustainability ignores both negative impacts and opportunities for greener practices. Hence the option that selects only D as wrong is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because it groups A and D as wrong statements. Statement A is true, as large data centres are known to consume substantial electricity and may contribute to emissions depending on the energy mix. Including this accurate statement with the false one makes the option invalid.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it labels B and D as wrong. While D is false, B correctly notes that energy-efficient hardware and cooling can reduce ICT’s environmental footprint. This combination misclassifies a genuine mitigation strategy as wrong.

Option C:
Option C is correct because it isolates D as the sole incorrect statement while accepting A, B and C as accurate. It acknowledges that ICT both poses environmental challenges and offers ways to reduce impact through efficiency and reduced paper use.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it includes A, B and D as wrong, thereby rejecting A and B, which are true. Considering genuine environmental issues and solutions as wrong contradicts the intent of the question.