In his new book, 'Is a River Alive?', Robert Macfarlane explores the consciousness of rivers through three significant journeys in Ecuador, India, and Canada, framed within his broader nature writing oeuvre.

The narrative raises profound questions about the agency of rivers, as Macfarlane's son enthusiastically affirms their life, while the author himself remains ambivalent, prompting readers to ponder the deeper implications of nature's vitality.

During his travels in Ecuador, Macfarlane encounters both the beauty of protected rivers and the tragic realities of environmental degradation, including the assassination of a pregnant anti-mining activist.

Macfarlane grapples with the idea that many Indigenous cultures view rivers as conscious entities, emphasizing their importance through a Māori proverb: 'I am the river; the river is me.'

Ecuador's pioneering legislation for the Rights of Nature in 2008 has influenced similar laws in countries like New Zealand, India, and Canada, supporting the recognition of rivers as legal entities.

Rivers worldwide face crises such as pollution and damming, with the UK grappling with severe sewage issues, as highlighted by the 'Top of the Poops' tracker.

Chennai's River Adyar exemplifies extreme pollution, described as 'as close to death as any river,' reflecting the concept of 'annihilation cartography' where industrial sites erase natural features from maps.

An encounter with an Innu poet in Quebec encourages Macfarlane to embrace a more emotional and connected experience with the river during a lengthy trek and kayak journey.

His prose is poetic and filled with vivid imagery, celebrating the natural world while acknowledging the pollution and destruction caused by human activities.

The book concludes with a powerful assertion of identity and connection to rivers, encapsulating the theme that the fight for their rights is also a fight for human well-being.

Despite the rich prose, Macfarlane reflects on the limits of his beliefs, grappling with moments of doubt regarding his spiritual practices and the validity of his connections to nature.

Ultimately, Macfarlane's reflections lead to questions about the viability of the Rights of Nature and the challenge of reconciling rational thought with the idea of rivers as living beings.