UN Backs Equal Earth Map 164-1 as US Casts Lone No Vote
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 5
UN Backs Equal Earth Map 164-1 as US Casts Lone No Vote
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 5
Summary
A 164-1 U.N. General Assembly vote endorsed a resolution urging governments, schools, international organizations and tech companies to use the Equal Earth projection or other size-accurate maps.
The African Union-backed "Correct the Map" campaign, led by Togo, argued the 1569 Mercator projection exaggerates regions farther from the equator and shrinks Africa's true scale.
Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland despite appearing similar on Mercator, a distortion campaigners said reinforces outdated ideas of power and privilege.
The resolution does not ban Mercator or impose a single replacement; the U.S. called it part of a "radical ideological project," while Togo hailed a historic step for justice and dignity.