Talanx Purpose Stories - Victoria Peak

Climate stress test for Hong Kong’s landmark

Understanding risks. Strengthening resilience. Preparing for the unexpected.

Victoria Peak, a mountain in Hong Kong approximately 550 metres high, is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and attracts between six and seven million visitors every year. However, its elevated and exposed location makes it particularly vulnerable to the effects of advancing climate change, which is altering the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Extreme heat and heavy rainfall in particular can increasingly challenge existing protection systems.

Despite well-developed infrastructure and many years of investment, the need for additional protective measures and the effectiveness of existing measures should be reviewed. This is where HDI comes in:

HDI Risk Consulting (HRC), a wholly owned subsidiary of HDI Global, identifies climate risks that could have a significant impact on key economic areas and cultural landmarks. Victoria Peak is considered a topographically challenging area: the combination of steep terrain, dense subtropical vegetation, high visitor numbers and environmental changes can have direct economic consequences for Hong Kong’s tourism sector as well as for public authorities.

HRC’s risk analysis of Victoria Peak highlights three key challenges in particular:

• Geological instability and the risk of landslides during heavy rainfall.
• Increasing heat stress caused by hot and dry periods.
• The effects of drought stress on vegetation, including an increased risk of wildfires.

“As an insurer with local responsibility, we see ourselves not only as a risk carrier but as a partner in prevention. Our analysis of Victoria Peak highlights the value of identifying climate risks early. By working closely with clients and brokers, we can actively map the specific exposures at their Hong Kong locations and help them strengthen resilience before disruptions or losses occur.” Michael Ahn, CEO of HDI Global Hong Kong

Risk: Landslides caused by heavy rainfall

The northern slopes of Victoria Peak consist predominantly of heavily weathered granite and slope sediments. When heavily saturated with water, this loose material loses stability. Particularly intense rainfall can therefore trigger landslides. This can put hiking trails and other infrastructure at risk. It can also pose safety risks to visitors, for example from rockfalls or impassable paths. Short-term closures can also make planning more difficult for the tourism sector and visitors.

“Our modelling shows that such events can trigger landslides, posing a significant threat to retention structures and hiking trails. This creates a substantial safety risk for tourism – for example through falling rocks or paths becoming suddenly impassable.” Dr Nina Lenz, Risk Analyst Natural Hazards & Climate Risks at HDI Risk Consulting

Recommendation: Engineering slope stabilisation, improved drainage and innovative monitoring

Existing drainage systems could be selectively upgraded, while additional site-specific drainage and monitoring measures could be assessed. Depending on the specific slope failure mechanism, monitoring could include, for example, rainfall, soil moisture, groundwater levels and/or pore-water pressure, as well as slope movements. This could enable risks of erosion and landslides during extreme rainfall events to be identified at an earlier stage.

Risk: Heat and adverse health effects

Increasingly hot periods are intensifying heat stress at Victoria Peak. This can place an increased strain on visitors, particularly on exposed hiking trails. At the same time, visitor comfort may decrease, potentially affecting the duration and timing of visits.

Recommendation: Adaptive visitor management

HRC recommends a digital heat alert system via an app and website. This could provide visitors with real-time alerts during periods of extreme temperatures and recommend alternative routes offering more shade. In addition, shaded areas, access to drinking water and rest areas along the routes could be beneficial. The use of heat-resistant materials for railings could also be considered as a potential measure to help improve the resilience of the infrastructure.

Risk: Damage to vegetation and increased wildfire risk

Increasingly dry conditions are putting the subtropical vegetation under stress. The consequences include premature leaf fall and increased susceptibility to pests. Dried-out vegetation can become highly combustible material, increasing the risk of wildfires. Wildfires, in turn, can pose a risk to infrastructure through direct heat exposure, while smoke can have adverse effects on health. The combination of smoke and ash can have a negative impact on industrial and production activities in the surrounding area. Burnt landscapes can also reduce the attractiveness of the location.

Recommendation: Preventive vegetation management

Regular removal of combustible undergrowth along the main paths and the establishment of firebreaks are recommended. In addition, deep-rooted and heat-tolerant plant species can help stabilise the topsoil and complement existing slope stabilisation measures.
“The impacts of climate change are no longer abstract scenarios for the future. They are already affecting locations, supply chains and business models today. Our aim is to provide companies with the transparency they need to make informed decisions: resilience starts with understanding where risks lie. Those who understand the specific climate risks facing a location at an early stage can protect people and places, safeguard investments and strengthen long-term resilience.” Wiebke Cundill, Team Lead Natural Hazards & Climate Risks Analysis at HDI Risk Consulting

Status as of November 2026