UN General Assembly Adopts Resolution for Equal Earth Map Projection

This resolution addresses historical biases in cartography that affect perceptions of global geography and equity.

• On September 4, 2026, the UN General Assembly adopted the 'Correct the Map' resolution with 164 votes in favor.
• The resolution promotes equal-area projections, like the Equal Earth map, to replace the distorting Mercator projection.
• The United States opposed the measure, while France and the African Union supported it, highlighting a divide in global perspectives on cartography.

• The Mercator projection, used for centuries, exaggerates landmass sizes, particularly in the northern hemisphere, leading to misconceptions about the size of continents.
• Africa is approximately 14 times larger than Greenland, yet the Mercator projection minimizes its perceived scale, affecting education and media.
• The African Union's campaign for equitable representation in maps gained momentum in early 2026, culminating in Togo's introduction of the resolution.

The adoption of the 'Correct the Map' resolution by the United Nations General Assembly marks a significant shift in how global geography is represented and understood. The resolution, which passed with overwhelming support, aims to address long-standing biases inherent in traditional cartographic practices, particularly the Mercator projection. This projection, developed in the 16th century for navigation, has been criticized for distorting the relative sizes of landmasses, especially those near the equator and in the southern hemisphere.

The Mercator projection exaggerates areas farther from the equator, leading to a skewed perception of global geography. For instance, while Africa is often depicted as comparable in size to Greenland, it is actually about 14 times larger. This misrepresentation has implications for education, media, and global perceptions, reinforcing stereotypes and biases about different regions. The resolution encourages the adoption of equal-area projections, such as the Equal Earth map, which accurately reflects the relative sizes of continents, thereby promoting cognitive justice and reducing historical biases.

The resolution is non-binding, meaning its implementation is voluntary and cannot be enforced. However, it signals a growing recognition of the importance of accurate representations in education and media. Countries and institutions are encouraged to transition to equal-area projections, which could lead to gradual changes in educational materials, digital mapping services, and media representations. The African Union's endorsement of the Equal Earth projection in 2025-2026 laid the groundwork for this resolution, highlighting the need for equitable representation in global discourse.

The United States' opposition to the resolution reflects a tension between traditional cartographic practices and emerging calls for reform. While the U.S. described the resolution as superfluous, France's support indicates a willingness to embrace change. The African Union welcomed the outcome as a step toward equitable representation, emphasizing the need for maps that accurately reflect the world's geography.

As educational institutions and media outlets begin to adopt these new projections, the impact may be felt across various sectors, influencing how geography is taught and understood. While immediate market shifts are not anticipated, the resolution encourages a reevaluation of cartographic practices and their implications for global perceptions.

• Educators: Changes in geography curricula may lead to a more accurate understanding of global geography.
• Media organizations: Shifts in visual representations could alter how news and information are presented.
• Technology platforms: Digital mapping services may gradually adopt equal-area projections, affecting user experiences.

• Adoption rates of equal-area projections: Monitoring how quickly educational institutions and media organizations transition to new mapping standards will indicate the resolution's impact.
• Public discourse on cartography: Increased discussions around the importance of accurate representations in geography may influence policy and educational reforms.
• International responses: Observing how other nations react to the resolution could reveal broader trends in global perceptions of geography and representation.