Climate change is one of the major problems that have surfaced on Earth over the last century. The Earth's temperature has increased over the years, which has had adverse effects on people's economic and vital sources, particularly agricultural production and livestock. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (2014) defines climate change as a change in global climate patterns apparent since the mid-20th century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC (2007), predicts that by 2100 the increase in global average surface temperature could be between 1.8°C and 4.0° c. With increases of 1.5°C to 2.5°C, approximately 20 to 30 percent plant and animal species are expected to be threatened with extinction. Furthermore, the IPCC (2007) states that climate change has serious consequences for food security in developing countries. Many factors, both natural and artificial, are solely responsible for this change. Climate change has led to a decrease in the quality and quantity of crop and livestock products due to heat stress, drought, and an increase in plant and animal diseases. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), (nd), heat stress is a part of climate change "that causes a drop in body temperature", and is a global problem affecting agriculture and livestock farming. The effect of heat stress on livestock has become more significant for animals such as dairy cows and beef cattle. When animals are distressed due to increased temperature, they generally reduce their feeding practices; have a rise in body temperature and face weight loss. Milk production, milk fat, protein content and reproductive progress are also affected, especially in dairy cows. When heat stress occurs, the dairy cow... middle of paper ......com. Retrieved: from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/climate changeDonnelly, M. (2012). Economic impact of heat stress. Retrieved from: http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/dairy/facilities/enomic-impacts-of-heat-stressIFAD. (2009). Drought fact sheet. Retrieved from: http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/factsheet/cc.pdfIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, (2007). Climate change. Retrieved from: http://www.ipcc.chThe Land Learn, NSW (nd). Climate change and its impacts. Retrieved from: http://www.landlearnnsw.org.au/sustainability/climate-change/agriculture/livestock/impactsThe National Drought Mitigation Center (nd). Climate change. Retrieved from: http://extension.wsu.edu/vetextension/Documents/Spotlights/HEATSTRESS%20JULY%202008.pdf World Bank (2012). Climate change. Retrieved from ; http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/climatechange