Climate change is one of the major problems that have emerged on Earth in the last century. The temperature of the earth has increased over the years leading to harmful effects on people's economic and livelihood sources, especially those of agricultural production and livestock. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary (2014), defined climate change as a change in global climate patterns evident since the mid-to-late 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 between 1.5°C and 2.5° C, approximately 20 to 30% Many animal and plant species are predicted to be at risk of extinction. Furthermore, the IPCC (2007) stated that climate change has serious consequences for food security in developing countries. There are numerous factors that are solely responsible for this change, both natural and man-made. Climate change has led to a decrease in the quality and quantity of plant and livestock products due to heat stress, drought and increases in plant and animal diseases. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), (nd), heat stress is a component of climate change “that lowers body temperatures”, and is a global problem affecting agriculture and livestock. The effect of heat stress on livestock has become greater for animals such as dairy cows and beef cattle. When animals are in distress due to rising temperatures, they usually reduce their feeding practices; has an increase in body temperature and is at risk of losing weight. Milk production, milk fat, protein content and reproductive progress are also affected, especially in dairy cows. When heat stress occurs, the dairy cow...... center of document......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/economic-impacts-of-heat-stressIFAD. (2009). Drought fact sheet. Retrieved from: http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/factsheet/cc.pdf Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, (2007). Climate change. Retrieved from: http://www.ipcc.chThe Land Learn, NSW (n.d.). Climate change and its impact. Retrieved from: http://www.landlearnnsw.org.au/sustainability/climate-change/agriculture/livestock/impactsNational Drought Mitigation Centre(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