What does Friedman's work teach about geography in Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution?

One of the most interesting elements out of Friedman's
work is its recasting of geography.  The idea of geography used to encompass vast
distances of worlds that are not known.  There was a sense of the separate that
encompassed geographic study.  "X was here" and "We are there."  However, Friedman
recasts this in a variety of ways.  Initially, because of the vast progression of
information technology and the massive proliferation of technological contact between
people, there is a growing interconnectedness between people and nations.  Geography is
being seen as a more "closely" defined realm, whereby distance is not the focal point,
but rather the togetherness that is shared.  Geographic distances are now only seen as a
source of amazement as to how our world is actually smaller.  Borders are only made to
be overcome.  At the same time, geography has changed in emphasizing the interdependence
that is present.  In emphasizing how connected all individuals really are, Friedman
makes the point that geography has to focus on how destruction of resources in one area
of the overcrowded world impacts others nearby.  In this recasting of geography,
closeness over distance is emphasized.