Unabandoned

Unabandoned explores the environmental and human health threats posed by improperly abandoned oil wells, with a focus on methane emissions, a significant contributor to climate change. Set in Summerland, CA—the birthplace of offshore drilling and the modern environmental movement—the film examines the historical legacy of unregulated fossil fuel extraction, which has left millions of wells leaking methane into the atmosphere. These wells, neglected and long-forgotten, are responsible for up to 30% of the current rise in global temperatures. The film follows atmospheric scientist Dr. Ira Leifer, whose groundbreaking research reveals that these abandoned wells leak methane at rates comparable to active wells. Dr. Leifer, with his mobile atmospheric lab, embarks on a mission to expose this invisible danger, advocating for urgent action in the fight against climate change. Through his journey, unabandoned highlights the personal frustrations and scientific determination of a man fighting to make the world see the critical importance of addressing this problem. The film culminates with the successful capping of an abandoned well, symbolizing hope and practical solutions. It portrays a powerful message: confronting these invisible dangers is not just necessary but pivotal in slowing global warming.