Paleoclimate fluctuations directly or indirectly change ecosystem, and sediment composition, which leaded to that the change of hydrocarbon generation potential of sedimentary rocks. Lacustrine rift basin, one important type of petroliferous basin, has currently been recognized to be an important tight oil exploration area. However, study on co-variation between climate fluctuation and hydrocarbon generation potential is absent. Dongpu Depression, developed on Paleozoic-Mesozoic basement, is a Cenozoic lacustrine rift basin, whose sedimentary records were mainly controlled by short-term climate fluctuations during tectonic quiescent period. In this study, compilation and comparison of mineralogy, micropaleontology and organic geochemistry data from Wengu 4 well in Dongpu Depression were used to reveal the genetic relationship between paleoclimate fluctuations and hydrocarbon generation potential. The results suggest that the Paleogene Shahejie Formation (third member 8~10) was formed in overall dry-hot climate, with several times of climate fluctuations between relatively dry and relatively humid, which correspond to the waning and waxing of organic content. Co-variation of climate and organic content from Shahejie Formation indicate a genetic relationship between paleoclimate fluctuations and hydrocarbon generation potential, humid climate is more beneficial for the accumulation of organic matter.