For centuries, coastal cities have been vibrant centers of economic growth. And this vibrancy has always been a magnet for capital, with real estate investors consistently gravitating to markets on the water. But more recently, the real and potential damages caused by the wrath of Mother Nature — increasingly damaging hurricanes, flooding rivers and sinking land masses — are beginning to cause concern.

The apprehension is transcontinental. In the United States, Boston, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C., are the usual suspects. London, Milan and Paris are European favorites. In Asia, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo routinely attract investment capital. Yet, every one of these cities is at risk of damage from storms and flooding.

As a result, investors are facing new questions. What can be done to protect existing properties? Is it possible for new development to be “flood proofed”? How will real estate assets be insured and finance