Based on the NOAA advanced very high resolution radiometer (NOAA-AVHRR) remote sensing data of 1982～1999, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) reflecting the surface vegetation cover has been obtained. Using the empirical orthogonal function analysis, the temporal-spatial eigenvectors of NDVI are given, and the characteristics of the spatial distribution of vegetation cover and its temporal variation together with the desertification of China are analyzed. It is found that the surface vegetation cover has seriously deteriorated in most part of China since 1995, along with the intensified desertification. All these are mainly caused by human activities although the climate change is responsible for the damage of surface vegetation cover to some extent.