The United Nations has passed a non-binding resolution endorsing the Equal Earth Projection, a map designed to more accurately represent the true size of the Earth’s landmasses. According to cartographers Jack Swab and Derek Alderman, the widely used Mercator projection drastically exaggerates land areas near the north and south poles, making continents like Africa appear much smaller than they actually are.
Why the Mercator Projection Distorts Global Scale
For centuries, map-makers have tackled the challenge of transforming a round, three-dimensional Earth into a flat, two-dimensional surface. According to Swab and Alderman, every map projection introduces some form of distortion in shape or area. The Mercator projection, developed in the 16th century, stretches landmasses near the poles so severely that countries located there can appear anywhere from two to 14 times their true size. While the projection remains vital for maritime and digital navigation because it preserves accurate compass bearings—a feature utilized by platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps—it fails to provide a visually accurate depiction of comparative land sizes for educational or political contexts.
The Case for the Equal Earth Projection
Unveiled in 2018 by a team of cartographers, the Equal Earth projection minimizes these geographical distortions, offering a fairer perspective for comparing regions by population, environment, and development. According to Swab and Alderman, the resolution passed by the United Nations supports the broader message that Equal Earth provides a more equitable display of the planet’s landmasses. Although the UN action does not force global adoption—updating textbooks, media, and diplomatic resources requires substantial labor and financial investment—the projection has already gained traction across various media and cartographic communities.
Did You Know?
In the traditional Mercator projection, Africa often appears roughly the same size as Greenland on standard classroom wall maps, even though Africa’s actual landmass is roughly 14 times larger.
Geopolitical Tensions and Resistance at the United Nations
The UN General Assembly vote on the resolution saw limited resistance, though several nations abstained or voted against the measure. According to reports on the assembly proceedings, Ukraine raised concerns regarding the depiction of the contested Crimean Peninsula, which the Equal Earth Projection website classifies as contested territory. This prompted a response from Russia and other nations regarding disputed borders. Both Russia and Ukraine ultimately agreed that the vote focused on global cartography rather than specific political boundaries, turning the debate into broader geopolitical posturing.
Meanwhile, the United States stood as the sole “no” vote against the resolution. American delegates characterized the proposal as part of a “radical and ideological project” inappropriate for UN debate, specifically objecting to language linking Mercator’s distortions to colonial legacies and the marginalization of Africa.
Cognitive Justice and the Future of Global Perspectives
Proponents of the Equal Earth projection, including African nations, argue that map design is tied to “cognitive justice,” a concept recognizing that people often associate the physical size of a place on a map with its global power and value. According to geographic researchers, traditional map portrayals have long reinforced the perceived importance of North America and Europe over the Global South. As African countries experience some of the fastest-growing populations and economies in the world, proponents argue that correcting mental maps is a vital step in amplifying the continent’s international relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Equal Earth projection?
The Equal Earth projection is a map of the world introduced in 2018 that minimizes the size distortions found in traditional maps like the Mercator projection, showing landmasses in their correct relative proportions.
Why does Google Maps still use the Mercator projection?
Online mapping platforms like Google Maps rely on variations of the Mercator projection because it maintains the accuracy of compass bearings between two points, making it uniquely effective for navigation and turn-by-turn directions.
Did the UN resolution force countries to change their maps?
No. The UN resolution is non-binding and serves as an endorsement of the Equal Earth projection. Adopting the map requires intentional updates to textbooks, digital databases, and media by individual organizations and governments.
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