July 23, 2020 Last week, the Government of Canada released its Strategic Assessment of Climate Change—a policy document that will guide how climate change considerations are taken into account during impact assessments carried out under the federal Impact Assessment Act.  Accounting for climate change considerations related to proposed projects such as pipelines, mines, oil fields, and others will be absolutely crucial as Canada strives to meet its domestic goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as its international commitment to support global efforts to limit global warming to no more than 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Impact Assessment Act made important strides by committing the federal government to assessing the climate change impacts of proposed projects, but several environmental organizations across Canada are concerned that the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change lacks the strong guidance that government and industry alike will require to make sure that climate change considerations are assessed effectively.  Among the concerns that have been raised is the fact that the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change only requires proponents of projects that will operate beyond 2050 to provide plans for those projects to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Proponents that are required to submit a plan are not required…