Wangari Maathai died at 71 from ovarian cancer . Leaders around the world have paid tribute . He said : `` Professor Maathai introduced the idea of women planting trees in Kenya to reduce poverty and conserve the environment , '' in a statement released via his office . ` The Nobel Laureate was trending worldwide on Twitter . Hide Caption
Wangari Maathai died at 71 from ovarian cancer . Leaders around the world have paid tribute . The Nobel Laureate was trending worldwide on Twitter . Hide Caption