American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What prompted John Muir to establish the Sierra Club?

1. The need for better urban infrastructure

2. Advocacy for workers' rights

3. Concern for national parks preservation

4. A desire to protect the natural environment

The correct answer is: A desire to protect the natural environment

John Muir established the Sierra Club primarily due to his profound desire to protect the natural environment. He recognized the threats posed by industrialization, urbanization, and the exploitation of natural resources during his time. Muir witnessed firsthand the destructive impacts that development and logging had on the pristine landscapes and ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada region and beyond. His passion for nature and advocacy for the environment led him to believe that organized efforts were necessary to challenge these destructive practices. Thus, the Sierra Club was founded in 1892 as a way to unite individuals who shared a commitment to conservation and the preservation of wilderness areas. The organization's mission emphasized the importance of preserving natural spaces for future generations, aligning with Muir's lifelong belief in the intrinsic value of nature and its critical role in human well-being. While other factors, such as discussions about urban infrastructure and workers' rights, were significant social issues at the time, they did not directly motivate the founding of the Sierra Club as much as the overarching aim of environmental protection did.