A Cartographic Correction: The UN’s Shift Away from Mercator

The United Nations’ decision to abandon the 16th-century Mercator map is a significant step towards a more accurate representation of our world. For centuries, the Mercator projection has distorted the true sizes and shapes of continents, perpetuating a skewed perception of geography that favors Europe and North America at the expense of Africa and other regions.

The adoption of the Equal Earth cartographic projection, developed by a group of cartographers in 2018, is a welcome correction to this centuries-old error. The new map preserves the relative surface areas of continents and shows their shapes as they appear on a globe. This shift away from Mercator will not change the world overnight, but it’s an important step towards promoting a more nuanced understanding of global geography.

The resolution, spearheaded by several African countries and co-sponsored by France, was backed by 164 countries, with the US voting against it. The opposition highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations on issues of global representation and influence. While the US may have legitimate concerns about the implications of this change, its opposition underscores the need for a more accurate cartographic representation.

As Togo’s foreign minister Robert Dussey noted, maps “shape our understanding of the world.” They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions. The Mercator projection has done just that – perpetuating an inaccurate image of the world that reinforces power imbalances between regions.

This decision also reflects a broader trend: growing recognition of Africa’s importance on the global stage. As the continent continues to grow in economic and demographic terms, it’s essential that our cartographic representations reflect this reality. The adoption of the Equal Earth projection is not only a correction but also an acknowledgment of Africa’s rightful place in the world.

Changing maps may seem like a minor issue, but as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted, “correcting a distorted representation is already an act of truth.” This shift will have far-reaching implications for education, research, and global understanding. It’s a small but significant step towards promoting a more inclusive and accurate perception of our world.

The US may still join the rest of the world in embracing a more accurate cartographic representation. As we move forward, it’s essential that we recognize the importance of accuracy and nuance in our global understanding. The adoption of the Equal Earth projection is a step in the right direction – towards a world where maps truly reflect the complexity and diversity of human experience.

The decision also raises questions about the role of cartography in shaping our perceptions of the world. Who gets to decide what we see on a map, and how do these decisions impact global power dynamics? As we move forward with this new cartographic representation, it’s essential that we engage in ongoing conversations about the ethics of mapping and its implications for global understanding.

The UN’s decision to adopt the Equal Earth projection is a significant step towards promoting a more accurate perception of our world. It’s a correction that has been long overdue – one that will have far-reaching implications for education, research, and global understanding.