____ is to identify which potential impacts are relevant to assess.

Scoping is a crucial step in the environmental assessment process that involves determining the range of issues and potential impacts that need to be evaluated. Its primary purpose is to set the context for a thorough assessment by identifying key aspects that are relevant to the particular project or activity being considered. During scoping, stakeholders and experts come together to highlight concerns, important ecological factors, and the potential consequences of a proposed action.

This step ensures that the assessment addresses the most significant impacts, including ecological, social, and economic dimensions, and helps to focus efforts and resources on the aspects that are most likely to lead to noticeable effects. By structuring the scope appropriately, scoping lays the groundwork for the subsequent phases of the assessment, ensuring that no relevant impact is overlooked.

In contrast, screening is usually a preliminary assessment process that determines whether a project requires a full environmental impact assessment. Reporting involves documenting the findings of the assessment, and review generally pertains to evaluating the adequacy and quality of the assessment or determining compliance with standards. Therefore, the key role of scoping in identifying relevant potential impacts makes it the correct choice in this context.