A historical map projection central to navigation, now debated for distortions
The UN General Assembly has adopted a non-binding resolution urging the adoption of the Equal Earth map to replace the Mercator projection in many uses. The move, led by Togo and backed by African nations, aims to correct long-standing distortions that exaggerate Northern hemispheres and under-represent Africa and other regions.
164 member states have backed a resolution encouraging a shift away from the Mercator projection toward the Equal Earth map, praised for better geographic accuracy. The measure stops short of mandating change, but aims to broaden adoption in education, media and policy discussions.