On September 4, local time, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution led by African countries, advocating the use of an “equal Earth” map projection. Supporters say the move will help correct decades of distorted perceptions about the size and importance of Africa and other regions. The resolution was passed with 164 votes in favour, 1 against, and 6 abstentions. The United States cast its only negative vote. Togo, which is leading the initiative, stated that the Mercator projection, which is widely used, exaggerates the area near the polar regions while making Africa appear much smaller than it actually is. The Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs said at the meeting that this is about “cognitive justice,” historical memory, and equal dignity, and urged the wider adoption of the “equal area of the Earth” projection. The United States opposed the resolution as an ideological distraction and diverted attention from more pressing international challenges.

On September 4, local time, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution led by African countries, advocating the use of an “equal Earth” map projection. Supporters say the move will help correct decades of distorted perceptions about the size and importance of Africa and other regions. The resolution was passed with 164 votes in favour, 1 against, and 6 abstentions. The United States cast its only negative vote. Togo, which is leading the initiative, stated that the Mercator projection, which is widely used, exaggerates the area near the polar regions while making Africa appear much smaller than it actually is. The Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs said at the meeting that this is about “cognitive justice,” historical memory, and equal dignity, and urged the wider adoption of the “equal area of the Earth” projection. The United States opposed the resolution as an ideological distraction and diverted attention from more pressing international challenges.