To provide a robust theoretical framework for ecological restoration, the present paper reports the spatio-temporal transformations of vegetation coverage and its responsiveness to climatic factors in Chongqing spanning the years 2000 to 2022. The results show a significant overall increase in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), indicating improved vegetation coverage, and that NDVI variability was greater at lower elevations. The Hurst index showed that the majority of the city (96.3%) was experiencing protracted and enduring transformations, with 89.2% anticipated to manifest a persistent amelioration trend and 7.1% projected to demonstrate a sustained degradation trajectory in the future. The partial correlation coefficients between NDVI and annual mean temperature and precipitation were -0.78~1 and -0.76~0.88, respectively. Generally, the NDVI presented a positive correlation with these two factors, with precipitation imposing a greater influence on vegetation growth. The findings of this study could provide information and serve as a point of reference for the prevention of ecological risks.