When did white people appear on earth?

The concept of "white people" is a social construct rather than a distinct biological category. Modern humans (Homo sapiens) first appeared in Africa around 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, and as populations migrated, genetic variations emerged due to adaptation to different environments. The lighter skin associated with many people classified as "white" is believed to have evolved in Europe approximately 20,000 to 30,000 years ago in response to lower sunlight levels and the need for vitamin D synthesis.