UN Adopts Equal Earth Map, Shrinking Global North
On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly approved a new global map that more accurately depicts continental landmasses, enlarging Africa while reducing the sizes of North America and Europe. This resolution, spearheaded by Togo and backed by 164 countries, saw the United States as the only nation opposing it, with six others abstaining. The Equal Earth projection will take the place of the Mercator projection, which was created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569. The resolution describes the Equal Earth projection as "a relevant option" for enhancing cartographic precision. Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey emphasized the role of maps in influencing perceptions and cautioned against misleading representations. This decision signifies a notable change in UN mapping standards.
Key facts
- The UN General Assembly voted on Friday to adopt the Equal Earth cartographic projection.
- The resolution was supported by 164 countries, with the US voting against and six abstaining.
- The new map makes Africa appear larger and shrinks North America and Europe.
- The Equal Earth projection is intended to replace the Mercator projection, designed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569.
- The resolution was spearheaded by several African countries, including Togo.
- Togo's Foreign Minister Robert Dussey drove the resolution.
- The resolution describes the Equal Earth projection as 'a relevant option for improving the accuracy of the cartographic representation of the world'.
- The vote tally was posted by the UN's official news service on X.
Entities
Institutions
- United Nations General Assembly
- United Nations
- Togo
- Equal Earth
Locations
- United States
- Africa
- North America
- Europe
- Togo
- New York