The global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 and the measures taken to control its spread have directly affected every part of human lives, including the physical world. Although some environmental benefits may be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, those were generally punctual, within a limited geographic location and temporally restricted. On the other hand, the negative environmental impacts can last for several decades and need to be better understood for strengthen our preparedness. The literature in the field is blooming, however the incipient data needs to be studied in a more systematic way in order to position research endeavors and support initiatives and policies related to pandemics. This thesis filled the gap by mapping the negative environmental consequences derived from or caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through a systematic literature review, framing so the pandemic as an environmental risk beyond public health issues. On March 10, 2022, a block search of keywords combining terms related to “covid-19 pandemic” and “environment* consequences” was carried out in the Web of Science database. After a practical screening and application of exclusion criteria with the web-based software Covidence, a final sample of 96 studies was obtained. Each study was classified into different types of categories, designed using the five research questions as basis. The analysis showed that the increased generation of solid waste and the release of chemicals are the main mechanisms that generated negative environmental impacts during the pandemic. It points to the urge of better prepare municipal waste management systems and perform risk communication programs related to the correct disposal of face masks / PPEs and safe use of disinfectants and antiseptics. It also showed several other negative environmental consequences derived from various social changes that are not always perceived with an obvious connection to the pandemic. Governments must contemplate the indirect effects and impacts that a pandemic can cause, in addition to human health concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic could indeed be seen as a case study to provide guidance on how environmental risks from future pandemics can be managed and minimized, and the discussion about who is responsible for what is a fertile field for future studies.