This study presents an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the COVID-19 pandemic using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) method. The research focuses on the environmental effects of the pandemic in Tehran, Iran, and evaluates the impact of lockdown measures and other pandemic-related factors on the environment. The RIAM method is used to quantify the environmental impact of the pandemic, considering various environmental components such as physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural, and economic/operational factors. The study finds that the pandemic had both positive and negative environmental impacts, with the negative effects being more significant. The RIAM approach provides a transparent and objective way to assess environmental impacts, enabling decision-makers to understand the environmental consequences of the pandemic and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects. The study also highlights the importance of effective waste management during the pandemic, particularly in the context of increased medical and personal protective equipment waste. The results show that the pandemic led to a significant increase in waste generation, particularly in the form of plastic and medical waste. The study concludes that the RIAM method is an effective tool for environmental impact assessment, especially in crisis situations such as the pandemic. The findings suggest that the pandemic has had a complex environmental impact, with both positive and negative effects, and that the RIAM method can be used to better understand and manage these impacts. The study also emphasizes the need for improved waste management practices and the importance of considering environmental factors in decision-making during the pandemic. The research contributes to the field of environmental impact assessment by demonstrating the effectiveness of the RIAM method in assessing the environmental impact of the pandemic. The study provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts in crisis situations and highlights the importance of using objective and transparent methods in environmental impact assessment. The results of the study indicate that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the environment, with increased waste generation and changes in waste management practices. The study also shows that the RIAM method can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of the pandemic and to develop strategies for mitigating negative effects. The research underscores the importance of environmental management during the pandemic and highlights the need for improved waste management practices to minimize environmental damage. The study concludes that the RIAM method is a valuable tool for environmental impact assessment, particularly in crisis situations such as the pandemic. The findings suggest that the pandemic has had a complex environmental impact, with both positive and negative effects, and that the RIAM method can be used to better understand and manage these impacts. The study provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts in crisis situations and highlights the importance of using objective and transparent methods in environmental impact assessment. The results of the study indicate that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the environment, with increased waste generation and changes in waste management practices. The study also shows that the RIAM method can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of the pandemic and to develop strategies for mitigating negative effects. The research underscores the importance of environmental management during the pandemicThis study presents an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the COVID-19 pandemic using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) method. The research focuses on the environmental effects of the pandemic in Tehran, Iran, and evaluates the impact of lockdown measures and other pandemic-related factors on the environment. The RIAM method is used to quantify the environmental impact of the pandemic, considering various environmental components such as physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural, and economic/operational factors. The study finds that the pandemic had both positive and negative environmental impacts, with the negative effects being more significant. The RIAM approach provides a transparent and objective way to assess environmental impacts, enabling decision-makers to understand the environmental consequences of the pandemic and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects. The study also highlights the importance of effective waste management during the pandemic, particularly in the context of increased medical and personal protective equipment waste. The results show that the pandemic led to a significant increase in waste generation, particularly in the form of plastic and medical waste. The study concludes that the RIAM method is an effective tool for environmental impact assessment, especially in crisis situations such as the pandemic. The findings suggest that the pandemic has had a complex environmental impact, with both positive and negative effects, and that the RIAM method can be used to better understand and manage these impacts. The study also emphasizes the need for improved waste management practices and the importance of considering environmental factors in decision-making during the pandemic. The research contributes to the field of environmental impact assessment by demonstrating the effectiveness of the RIAM method in assessing the environmental impact of the pandemic. The study provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts in crisis situations and highlights the importance of using objective and transparent methods in environmental impact assessment. The results of the study indicate that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the environment, with increased waste generation and changes in waste management practices. The study also shows that the RIAM method can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of the pandemic and to develop strategies for mitigating negative effects. The research underscores the importance of environmental management during the pandemic and highlights the need for improved waste management practices to minimize environmental damage. The study concludes that the RIAM method is a valuable tool for environmental impact assessment, particularly in crisis situations such as the pandemic. The findings suggest that the pandemic has had a complex environmental impact, with both positive and negative effects, and that the RIAM method can be used to better understand and manage these impacts. The study provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts in crisis situations and highlights the importance of using objective and transparent methods in environmental impact assessment. The results of the study indicate that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the environment, with increased waste generation and changes in waste management practices. The study also shows that the RIAM method can be used to evaluate the environmental impact of the pandemic and to develop strategies for mitigating negative effects. The research underscores the importance of environmental management during the pandemic