[Objective] The response of vegetation changes to climate change and their relationship with runoff and sediment was studied in order to provide the basis for the environment policy adjustment of the Yellow River basin.[Methods] The global inventory modelling and mapping studies normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), as well as temperature, precipitation, runoff, and sediment transport data, were used to study the spatial and temporal variation of NDVI in the Yellow River basin. The linear trend method and correlation analysis methods were utilized. The characteristics of the response of the spatial and temporal variation of NDVI in the Yellow River basin to temperature and precipitation, as well as the impact on runoff and sediment transport, were examined.[Results] ① From 1982 to 2015, the NDVI in the Yellow River basin and the upper and middle reaches of the river basin showed a significant linear increase trend. The middle reaches had the maximum growth rate and the maximum increase in area. ② The area of NDVI in the Yellow River basin was significantly positively correlated with annual average air temperature and annual precipitation, accounting for 22.39% and 21.99%, respectively, and concentrated in the central and northern regions. ③The annual runoff in the Yellow River basin and the upper reaches showed an increasing trend, and the sediment transport volume in the upper and middle reaches showed a decreasing trend, from 2000 to 2015. The relationship between water and sediment in the Yellow River basin was the result of a variety of factors.[Conclusion] Under the background of climate change, the vegetation in the Yellow River basin showed an improvement trend during 1982-2015, but it had evident spatial heterogeneity. The relationship between vegetation change and river runoff and sediment transport requires further study.