UN General Assembly endorses a new world map that shows more accurately Africa’s size

The United Nations General Assembly has endorsed a new world map that more accurately represents Africa’s size, following a campaign by African countries and advocacy groups. The resolution, sponsored by Togo and supported by the African Union, was approved with 164 votes in favor, while the U.S. opposed it and six countries abstained. The vote encourages the use of the Equal Earth projection, which shows continents in their true proportions, unlike the traditional Mercator map that distorts sizes, making Greenland appear similar in size to Africa. The resolution does not ban the Mercator map but promotes the Equal Earth projection for more accurate representation. Advocates argue that maps influence education and perceptions, and the change is a step towards truth. The Mercator map, designed for navigation, enlarges regions near the poles and shrinks others like Africa. The new map aims to correct these distortions. QUESTION: How might using more accurate maps in education change students’ understanding of the world?