ObjectiveTo explore the effects of hydropower stations on the temporal and spatial changes of vegetation, clarify the response relationship of vegetation changes to hydropower station construction and climate factors, and provide a reliable scientific basis for regional sustainable development and sustainable operation of hydropower stations.MethodsNormalized vegetation index (NDVI) was used to reflect the vegetation change. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used as the computing platform, coupled with ModTrendr algorithm, Theil Sen-MK, contribution degree analysis and partial correlation analysis methods to explore the effects of hydropower stations in the middle reaches of the Jinsha River on the spatial and temporal changes of vegetation during 2000—2022, and the effects of climate it were analyzed.Results1) The negative mutations were concentrated from 2011 to 2014, and the mutation area was concentrated in the catchment area. The forward mutation was concentrated in 2015 and 2017, and the mutation area was concentrated within the 5 km buffer zone of the riverbank. The time for vegetation to produce positive response was 1—4 years after the water was impounded, and the mutation intensity gradually weakened along the riverbank. 2) The vegetation NDVI around each hydropower station presented an overall upward trend (0.000 2—0.002 8/a), and an upward (gentle)-downward-upward trend before, during and after hydropower station construction. 3) Regional vegetation change was mainly caused by the joint action of human activities (hydropower station construction) and climate change, and the explanation degree was 69.12%. The contribution of human activities was much higher than that of climate change. 4) The partial correlation coefficients of temperature, precipitation and NDVI were -0.28 and -0.29, respectively. The partial correlation coefficients of temperature and precipitation differed greatly in different stages of hydropower stations, indicating that hydropower stations would affect regional climate.ConclusionHydropower stations have a negative impact on vegetation during construction and a positive impact on vegetation after operation. The impact of hydropower station construction on vegetation is higher than that of climate change, and the construction of hydropower stations may affect local climate, leading to a decrease in the overall correlation between temperature and precipitation and vegetation NDVI.