Where consequences refer to the effects of a particular action whether they are good or bad: "The consequence of a good education is greater opportunity." ...aftermath refers to negative consequences or effects. It also refers to the state of something as a result of those consequences: "We were left to clean up the aftermath of the party." "The aftermath of hurricane Sandy resulted in billions of dollars in damage." "Our children haven't yet had much of an impact on global warming, but they will be dealing with its aftermath."