And perhaps that's something that needs to be discussed. I would absolutely love to see street lights be given a sort of 'shield' that reflects them downwards towards the ground. I'd also figure it could require them to use less energy if it reflected downward since so much of the light wouldn't be escaping. Could also go for red wavelengths like they do in some towns near where turtles hatch, so that they don't miss the moonlight needed to guide them to the water. I think there's many ways we could make cities darker while still keeping it light at ground level for pedestrians.
Granted, these are all just speculations on my part, but I feel there's a way somehow.
Also, many people who live on those lit streets would rather those street lights didn't exist, shining in their windows all night. I feel fortunate to live in an unincorporated urban area that's like a city in many ways but we don't have street lights nearby. Cities don't need to be illuminated 24/7.
Having one outside my window, I absolutely 100% agree. I just always hear the issues of "What about pedestrians being safe" (which isn't even an issue where I live; it's not a pedestrian street or anywhere near the city center area), so was trying to find a way to combat that. That's why I think some reflective shielding could do well, pointing the light where we want it to go, and also enable us to light with less energy and light needed in general.
Granted, these are all just speculations on my part, but I feel there's a way somehow.